Why We Our Love For Window Repairs (And You Should Too!)
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more economical.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. These are usually easy repairs with the right tools.
However, if the window's frame is rotting it is recommended to replace the entire unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the expense of replacing glass.
First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.
After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.
Once your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to grow deeper.
You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all types of glass including tinted ones. This type of fix can't completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that can be seen from the outside.
Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but will provide the strongest seal, and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area before applying epoxy. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that could cause cracks to grow. If you're not sure with these DIY methods, or if your cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that doesn't stay up is more than simply a nuisance. It can also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Inspect the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have been dislodged. You'll need to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've become dislodged.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. Over time, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and then prying them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's usually caused by a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that allows water to get into the frame.
A sash cable that has snapped is another reason for a window not opening. You can try to reattach 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 make a window difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on a double-hung window is painted shut it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to slide it. If this fails then you'll need to take off the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes in single-hung windows are usually made from plastic or metal. They feature an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the image 2. Then, move the sash back forward to determine whether it is working properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to thrive on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that have exposure to elements are adequately protected. Even when you're diligent just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames, porch columns and other components of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability.
Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing 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 rot is removing the old material. It is usually easy using a pry bar however using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are a variety of wood fillers to choose from and the best one will depend on the amount of work you wish to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.
If the rot has spread too far for a filler to work, you'll have to replace the damaged part. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If upvc door repairs near me are unsure about your DIY skills it is recommended to consult a professional.
While repairing wood that has rotted is always an option but it's much easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and 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 moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious sign that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damages in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can identify small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while looking.
Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.
The failure of window seals is largely caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it under cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows.
Other factors that can cause window seal failure is scrubbing the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become 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 the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to check the condition of the window seals and make repairs, which can prevent costly future problems.
It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a straightforward DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV windows and help you save money.