Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows is more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. These are usually simple fixes with the right tools.
If the window's frame is beginning to decay, it's best to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any molding, trim or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to cut off any glass pieces that are stuck in the frame.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the new glass in place from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down using circular saws or a miter saw.
Now that your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Install the glass back into your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this step as it could cause the crack to grow.
Then, you can apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely hide the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.
Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more time-consuming to apply but provides the most significant seal, and can make your cracked window glass virtually unnoticeable. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. It is also important be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not sure using these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is large or a two-paned glass, it's best to call the professionals.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that will not stay up can be more than a nuisance and could be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms that keep the sash from sliding. However the mechanism could be damaged or broken. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've been dislodged.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in timber frames of sash windows. Over time, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. You might be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and then prying them open. If your wood appears to be swelling, it's typically because of a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to get into the frame.
Another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is broken, you will have to replace it.
Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of a double-hung window is closed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using an utility knife and attempting to move it. If this fails then you'll have to take off the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are made from plastic or metal. They have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, you can slide the sash up and down and check whether the window is functioning normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only unsightly; it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has invaded. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mush. To avoid rot it is important to ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well secured. Even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose window frames or porch columns, as well as other components of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly eat away at the structure and compromise its strength.
Most wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. The latter can occur if damp-proofing course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. This is typically done using a pry bar however a combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole is.
If the rot is too deep for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you're unsure about your skills at DIY you should call in an expert.
While repairing rotting wood is always a possibility, it's far easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splattering onto the trim on the exterior. You should also check for signs of humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under a window. It's easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can find small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually looking.
Fogged windows are a common sign of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics.
The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals.
upvc window repairs that contribute to window seal failure is cleaning the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks clean with a dry toothbrush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the chance to examine the condition of your window seals, and make repairs, which can save you from costly future issues.
It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's still cheaper than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. This is a straightforward DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV windows and save money.