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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more economical. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the proper tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is rotten, it's better to replace the entire unit. Broken or Cracked Glass A bad storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can stop these cracks from becoming worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that are stuck in the frame. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue that is used to glue the new glass from spilling out and causing damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it. After your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this step as it could cause the crack to deepen. Finally, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix can't completely cover the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside. Epoxy is another alternative. upvc window repairs is more time-consuming, however it offers the highest seal and will make your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to scrub your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not sure of these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is large or a two-paned glass, it's recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that doesn't stay up can be more than an inconvenience and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that assist in stopping the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However, one or several of these mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine if either or both are dislodged. You'll have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've become dislodged. The moisture inside the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. This could cause the frame joints to become loose over time and stick. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints apart. If the wood appears swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame. A snapped sash cable is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is damaged, you'll have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond by using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll need to take out the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from plastic or metal. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then, move the sash up and down, and then check whether the window is functioning normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure your home is well maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are protected. Even if you are vigilant, one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak can expose your window frames or porch columns and other components of the house to decay organisms. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing isn't installed or damaged or if internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough with a pry bar, although the combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most stubborn spots. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap needs to be filled and caulked. There are a myriad of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you'd like to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame is left to be saved. If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, you will need to replace the damaged part. This can be done by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complex project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you are unsure of your DIY skills It is recommended to consult a professional. Repairing rotting wood can be accomplished, but it is much easier (and cheaper) to prevent the problem at the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around windows is the most obvious indicator that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to see, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you find weak spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows are a common sign of a leaking seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures they contract. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the seals of your window. Another factor that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will degrade the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush. Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. This will also give you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a DIY project that can extend the life of the RV windows and help you save money.