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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. With the appropriate tools, these are easy fixes. However, if the frame of the window is beginning to decay it's recommended to replace the entire unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you set down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can prevent these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully pry off any trim, molding, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass fragments that are stuck to the frame. After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you'll need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Place the glass back into the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause the cracks to get deeper. In the end, you can use 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. Be aware that this kind of repair will not fully conceal the crack, so it's not a suitable option for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is more time-consuming to apply but provides the most significant seal and can make the cracked window almost invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need be prepared for any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to expand and then widen again. If you're not confident using these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it is best to call the professionals. Sashes that won't open A window that will not stay up for long can be more than just an inconvenience; it could also be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to help keep the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if one or both have been dislodged. You will have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've become dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. You may be able to repair this without dismantling 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 missing flashing on your house's exterior which allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that can cause windows that don't open is a sash cord snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling the cord (pliers could help) and then slid the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on a double-hung window is painted shut, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using an utility knife and attempting to move it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or parting strip or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of plastic or metal. They feature an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side by following the image 2. Then, move the sash back and forth to see whether it functions correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the portion of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists into a soggy mush. To avoid rot it is important to ensure that your home is well maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant, one missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or minor roof leak can expose windows as well as porch columns and other parts of the house to decaying organisms. The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. The latter can occur if a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step to repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is typically done with a pry bar, although the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the gap must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety 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 has gotten too far for a filler to work, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you're unsure about your skills at DIY you should seek out an expert. While repairing upvc window repairs that is rotting is always a possibility but it's much easier (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping around or under windows is the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes, it is easy to spot but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damage in your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify soft spots before they can cause water damage. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a failing seal. They may not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to skyrocket, but they do affect the appearance of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage as the seals expand in hot temperatures and shrinking in colder temperatures. This can be mitigated by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash will assist in preventing the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals. Another reason that can cause seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. Seals can become brittle, and more susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush. Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems. Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing the sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by faulty seals. This is a straightforward DIY project that can extend the life of your RV windows and help you save money.