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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows are more economical. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray balls and projectiles. These are usually easy repairs with the right tools. If the frame of the unit is rotten It is recommended to replace the whole unit. Broken or cracked glass A storm that is severe or a stray pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can prevent these cracks from becoming worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the broken pane of glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking, causing further damage. It is also important to ensure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass into your window sash. Do not bend 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 the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. Just be aware that this kind of repair will not fully cover the crack, therefore it's not a suitable choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different option. It is more time-consuming, however it provides the best seal and will make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared for any sudden weather changes that could cause cracks to grow. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods or if the glass you have cracked is particularly large or a double-paned glass is best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes that won't open A window that doesn't stay up can be more than a nuisance and could be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that keep the sash from sliding. However, one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place. Moisture in the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. This could cause the frame joint to become loose over time and stick. It is possible to repair this without taking down the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been painted shut and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to slide it. If this fails, you will need 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). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. These shoes have a U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. Then, move the sash back forward to check whether it functions properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it can also pose a serious threat to the structural integrity in the space it has infested. The fungus that causes it feasts on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mucus. To prevent rot, you should ensure that your home is maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well protected. Even if you're vigilant, one missed painting session or clogged gutter or a minor roof leak could expose your windows, porch columns, and other components of the home to decaying organisms. The majority of wood decays are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough with a pry bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After upvc window repair are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to complete, the depth of the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved. If the rot has spread out too far for a filler to work, you'll have to replace the damaged component. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you're not sure of your DIY ability here, then it's best to contact an expert. While repairing rotting wood is always an option however, it's much more effective (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also check for signs of excess humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under the window. This can be easy to see, but it's often hidden behind the wall. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can identify small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while checking. Windows that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill skyrocket, but they do detract from the aesthetics of your RV. The weather plays a significant role 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 storing it under cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash can help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows. Other factors that contribute to window seal failure are cleaning the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents which break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush. This is the most efficient and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, but it's less expensive than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. If you are willing to commit just a few hours and time, then this is an easy DIY project that can extend the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.