Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more economical.
Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. With the right tools, these are simple solutions.
If the frame of the unit is damaged It is recommended to replace the whole unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase set down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting more severe 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 pry off any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass fragments that have gotten stuck in the frame.
After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to stick the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure that the glass is properly fitted. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to use a circular or mitersaw to reduce it.
Once your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this step because it could cause the crack to deepen.
In Repair My Windows And Doors , you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely cover the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are seen from the outside.
Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more time-consuming to apply, but offers the most durable seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area before applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you are not confident using these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A window that doesn't remain up is more than just a nuisance. It could also be dangerous. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. You'll have to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they've become dislodged.
The moisture in window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window if you use a blade to break the frame joints apart. If your wood appears to be swollen, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to enter the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause windows not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling it back (pliers might be beneficial) and then slid the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it.
Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be in a position to break the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to remove the sash and then cut the gap between the sash and stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are typically made of metal or plastic. They come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then move the sash back and forward to determine whether it is working properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the part of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a soggy mucus. To prevent rot, you should ensure that your home is well maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well protected. Even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose windows, porch columns and other parts of your house to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and compromise its strength.
The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if damp-proofing course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. This is generally easy enough with a pry bar, although a combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap needs to be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers to choose from and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be saved.
If the rot is too deep for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here it is recommended to seek out a professional.
While repairing rotting wood is always an option however, it's much more effective (and cheaper) to stop it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splattering onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips down the sides or under a window. Sometimes this is easy to detect, but often it is hidden behind a wall, and is harder to locate. 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. By gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage.
Fogged windows are a common sign of a failing seal. They may not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to increase, but they affect the appearance of your RV.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder weather, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. Also, a simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is scrubbing the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that 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 clean with a dry toothbrush.
Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method of protecting your RV's windows. This also gives you the opportunity to check 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, however it's still cheaper than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. If you are willing to put in just a few hours it is a simple DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.