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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective. Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. These are usually simple fixes using the correct tools. If the frame of the window is rotting it is recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or Cracked Glass A bad storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard can crack the glass in your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass. The first step in any repair is to take off the broken pane of glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. It is also possible to employ a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is properly fitted. If the new piece is larger than the old one, you'll need to cut it down with a circular saw or miter saw. Now that your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this process; it can cause the crack to grow. Then, you can apply a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's specially designed to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of fix won't completely cover the crack, so it's not the best solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal, and can make the cracked window nearly invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques, or your cracked glass is particularly large or has double-paned It's recommended to call in the professionals to have a professional repair. Sashes That Won't Open A window that won't stay up is more than just a nuisance. It could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place. The moisture in windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. As time passes, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. You can repair this problem without removing the window if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints apart. If your wood appears swollen it's typically due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak into the frame. Another common reason for windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling it back (pliers might be helpful) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to move it. If this fails, you will need to remove the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are made from plastic or metal. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side by following the image 2. Then, move the sash back and forward to determine if it works properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it poses a real danger to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet mush. To prevent rot you must ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well protected. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant just one mishap with the painting process, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose window frames and porch columns as well as other areas of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its structural integrity. Most wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can happen when a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials like drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do this using a pry-bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the most difficult places. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you wish to complete, the depth of the hole is and how much of the frame can be saved. If the rot is too extensive for a filler that is simple, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you're unsure of your ability to do this yourself you should call in a professional. Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished, but it is much simpler (and cheaper) to prevent the problem at the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in check. Dirty Seals The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath the window. It's possible to spot, but it's often hidden behind the wall. This can cause soft wood, mould, or 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 checking. Windows that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can detract from the appearance of your RV. The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it under cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows. Another factor that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a dry toothbrush. This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs that can help prevent costly problems in the future. It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's still cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you're willing to invest some time and time, then this is a simple DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.