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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective. Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in window glass. With the right tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is damaged It is recommended to replace the entire unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A bad storm or the sand from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe by putting in a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass. First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may need to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass fragments that have gotten stuck in the frame. After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking and causing more damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you'll have to use a circular or mitersaw to reduce it. After your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for window glass and follow the directions on how to apply it. Place the glass back into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause the cracks to get deeper. Then, you can apply a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. This type of fix can't completely cover the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside. Epoxy is a different alternative. It's more time-consuming, but it will provide the most secure seal and makes the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. You will also need be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that could cause the cracks to widen. If you are not confident using these DIY techniques, or if your cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that doesn't stay up isn't just a nuisance; it can also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However the mechanism can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain stable. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. In time, this may cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to sag. You might be able to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for a window that won't open is a sash cord snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers could be helpful) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been painted shut it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to move it. If this doesn't work, you will need to remove the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). The sash shoes in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. These shoes have an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side by following the image 2. Then slide the sash back and forward to determine whether it functions properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mucus. To avoid rot it is important to ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well secured. However, even the best of intentions, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames or porch columns, as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy to do using a pry bar, but a combination hammer and chisel may be needed for the stubbornest areas. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the gap must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot has spread too far for a filler work, you'll need to replace the damaged component. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to consult an expert. While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option but it's much easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your window, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in check. Dirty Seals Water that drips around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indicator that window seals are shrinking. It's possible to spot, but it's often hidden behind walls. This can result in soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. You can spot soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while visually inspecting. Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with seals expanding in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. This issue can be cured by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window. Another reason that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush. Conducting upvc window repairs near me is the least expensive and most efficient way to protect your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, however it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. If you are willing to invest just a few hours it is a simple DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the long term.