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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the proper tools, these are simple solutions. If the frame of the unit is rotten it is better to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase set down too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and reduce the expense of replacing glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any molding, trim or glazing putty holding the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that are stuck in the frame. After removing the glass, clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive that is used to glue the new glass in place from leaking out and causing more damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is bigger than the previous piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface is cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. After that, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to become deeper. You can also make use of products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's designed to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different option. It's more laborious, but it provides the best seal and will make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be ready to address any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not sure of these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that isn't able to remain up is more than just a nuisance; it could be a danger. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place. The moisture inside the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. As time passes, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's usually because of a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to enter the frame. A sash cable that has snapped is another reason that can cause a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling it back (pliers may help) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of double-hung windows is sealed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to slide it. If this does not work then you'll need to take out the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are typically constructed of either metal or plastic. They feature a U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then slide the sash back and forward to determine if it works correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot is not only unsightly; it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area it has invaded. The fungus responsible is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wood beams, walls, and joists to a wet and spongy mush. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well secured. However, even the best of intentions just one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its strength. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can occur when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do using a pry bar, but a combination hammer and chisel may be needed for the most difficult places. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. 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 is. If the rot has spread out too far for a filler to perform, you will need to replace the damaged component. upvc window repairs can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills, it is best to call an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be done, but it is much simpler (and cheaper) to prevent the problem at the beginning. Preventative measures can include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also check for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under a window. Sometimes, this is easy to detect however, it is often hidden behind a wall, and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you find weak spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. They may not be structurally damaging or cause your electric bills to skyrocket, but they do affect the appearance of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash will assist in preventing the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. Other factors that can cause window seal failure is scrubbing the seals with brushes or washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean 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 necessary repairs. Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a straightforward DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your windows in your RV and save you money.