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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more economical. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. These are usually simple fixes using the correct tools. However, if the frame of the window is rotting, it's best to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass
First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue that glues the new glass from spilling out and causing damage. You'll also want to ensure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down using circular saw or miter saw. Once your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for window glass. Then, reinstall the glass in your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to grow deeper. Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass including tinted ones. Just be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not the best solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and will make your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the area around it thoroughly. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that can cause cracks to widen. If you're not confident with these DIY repair techniques or if the glass you have cracked is particularly large or a double-paned glass, it's best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes That Won't Open A window that isn't able to remain up is more than simply a nuisance. It can also be a danger. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that stop the sash from moving. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Inspect the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain stable. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in timber frames of sash windows. This could cause the frame joints to loosen as time passes and become stuck. You might be able to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to get into the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can also cause windows to become bounded and be difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been closed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to slide it. If this fails, you will need remove the sash, and then cut the gap between the sash and stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from metal or plastic. They feature a U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then you can slide the sash up and down and check whether the window is functioning normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly, it poses a real danger to the structural integrity of the portion of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mush. To avoid rot, you should ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Even the best of intentions just one missed painting session, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose windows, porch columns and other areas of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its strength. Most wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can occur when damp proofing isn't installed or is damaged or if internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar but a combination hammer and chisel may be needed for the stubbornest areas. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must 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 accomplish, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be preserved. If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to call a professional. Repairing wood that is rotting can be done however it is simpler (and less expensive) to avoid the issue in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to stop water from splashing onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of excess humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath a window. It's possible to spot, however it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to guard windows. By gently pressing against the seal trim and visually examining it will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a leaking seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they 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 temperatures they contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can to keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to examine the condition of your window seals and make repairs that can save you from costly future issues. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing the sash, however it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a straightforward DIY project that will extend the life of the windows in your RV and save you money. |
