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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. However, there are times when replacing old windows are more economical. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the appropriate tools, these are simple solutions. If the frame of the unit is damaged It is recommended to replace the whole unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A severe storm, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and reduce the expense of replacing glass. First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife in order to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from leaking out and causing more damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll need to reduce it using circular saws or a miter saw. After your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Reinstall upvc window repair near me into your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause the cracks to get deeper. Then, you can apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, therefore it's not a good option for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more time-consuming to apply, but provides the most significant seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to widen. If you're not sure using these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it's best to call the professionals. Sashes that won't open A window that does not stay up for long can be more than an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However, one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine if either or both are dislodged. You will have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've been dislodged. The moisture inside the sash window frames can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. In time, this may cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on your house's exterior which allows water to get into the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for windows that aren't opening is a sash cord that has snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might help) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on double-hung windows is closed with paint and you want to 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 remove the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They 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, use a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing sideways (Photo 2). You can then slide the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it poses a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mucus. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Even if you're diligent the slightest lapse in painting, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak can expose windows, porch columns, and other areas of the house to decay organisms. Most wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen when damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar but a combination of hammer and chisel might be needed for the most stubborn spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame can be preserved. If the rot is too deep for a filler that is simple, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task properly. If you are unsure about your DIY skills It is recommended to consult a professional. While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option but it's much easier (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing up onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around a window is likely to be the most obvious sign that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes, it is easy to spot but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visual inspection can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage. Windows that have a haze of fog are an indication of a weak seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from the appearance 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 contract. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can aid in preventing salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals. Another factor that can cause seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more prone to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry brush. This is the easiest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems. Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by seals that fail. If you're willing to invest some 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.