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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is decayed It is recommended to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm, the pebble from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the expense of replacing glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. 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 break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing. 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 the glass is properly fitted. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you'll need to employ a circular or mitersaw to reduce it. Now that your surface is clean, find a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to deepen. You can also apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely cover the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are seen from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause cracks to widen. If you are not confident with these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can become disconnected or damaged. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If upvc window hinges have, you will need to replace them for the sash to remain in place. The moisture in windows sash can trigger cycles of contraction or expansion. In time, this may cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to become stuck. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another reason for a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling it back (pliers could help) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord is damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on a 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 have remove the sash, and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are typically made from plastic or metal. These shoes have an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down by following the image 2. Then, move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just visually unattractive, but it can cause serious harm to the structural integrity in the space it has infested. The fungus that causes it to thrive on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mucus. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is properly maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. However, even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose the window frames or porch columns, as well as other components of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its strength. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged, or when internal materials like drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. This is typically done using a pry bar but using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you're willing to put into it and how deep the hole. If the rot is too deep for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be done either by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to complete the task correctly. If you're unsure about your skills at DIY you should seek out an expert. While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option, it's far easier (and less expensive) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splashing onto exterior trim. You should also check for signs of excess humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes this is easy to detect however, it is often hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best method to safeguard windows. You can find small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually inspecting. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a leaking seal. They may not be structurally damaging or making your electricity bill skyrocket, but they do hinder the aesthetics of your RV. The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder weather, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from direct sunlight. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from causing damage to the seals of your window. Another cause that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will degrade the rubber. This can cause the seals to become fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition by using a dry toothbrush. This is the easiest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, however it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. If you are willing to commit some time it is a DIY project that will greatly prolong the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the end.