Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are easy fixes.
If the frame of the unit is damaged, it's better to replace the whole unit.
Broken or Cracked Glass
A severe storm or the sand from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.
First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife in order to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.
After removing the glass clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to put the glass back to its original position from leaking, causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to use a circular or mitersaw to reduce it.
After your surface is clean, search for an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause the cracks to get deeper.
You can also use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It is designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted versions. Just be aware that this type of repair will not fully conceal the crack, so it's not a good solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different alternative. It's more time-consuming, however it offers the highest seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause cracks to widen. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods or if the glass you have cracked is particularly large or double-paned is best to call in the professionals for a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that does not remain up is more than a nuisance and could be dangerous. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place.
Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This could cause the frame joint to loosen over time and stick. You may be able to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and prying them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which lets water soak into the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause windows not opening. Try reattaching the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also cause windows to become bounded and become difficult to move. If the sash channel of a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be able to break the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this doesn't work then you'll need to take out the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop or parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They 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 then turn the slot upside down by following the image 2. Then you can slide the sash up and down again and see if the window works normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious danger to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet and spongy mush. To prevent rot it is important to ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions just one missed painting cycle or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose window frames, porch columns and other areas of your home to a variety of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and compromise its stability.
Most wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. The latter can occur if damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar, but a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the stubbornest areas. After the decayed wood has been removed, the hole needs to be caulked and filled. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and how deep the hole.
If the rot has gotten too far for a filler to work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills it is recommended to call an expert.
Repairing wood that is rotting is possible, but it is much simpler (and cheaper) to avoid the issue at the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splattering onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can cause soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to guard windows. You can spot soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking.
Windows that have a haze of fog are an indication of a weak seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics.
Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window.
Other causes of window seal failure include cleaning the seals with brushes or washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry brush.
Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method of protecting your RV's windows. This will also give you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary 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 that is caused by faulty sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of the RV windows and save money.