Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective.
Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the right tools, these are simple fixes.
If the frame of the window is beginning to decay it's recommended to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A storm that is severe or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you set down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from becoming worse and reduce the expense of replacing glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue that is used to glue the glass to the surface from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure that the new glass fits well. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you'll need to use a circular or mitersaw to reduce it.
After your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Install the glass back into the window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this procedure; it can cause the crack to deepen.
Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. Be aware that this type of fix won't completely cover the crack, so it's not a suitable choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Another option is epoxy, which is a little more time-consuming to apply but will provide the strongest seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. You will also need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not sure with these DIY methods, or if your cracked 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 stay up isn't just a nuisance. It could be a danger. Single- and double-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain 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 joints to become loose as time passes and become stuck. You can repair this problem without having to remove the window if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints apart. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's usually caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame.
A snapped sash cable is another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling it back (pliers might be beneficial) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond using an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to remove the sash and then cut the gap between the sash and 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 have a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways by following the image 2. Then, you can move the sash up and down again and see whether the window functions normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy and mush. To stop the rot from occurring it is important to ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are well protected. Even if you're diligent any missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or minor roof leak can expose your window frames, porch columns, and other areas of the house to decay organisms.
The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or damaged or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.
The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the most difficult places. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you want to do and the depth of the hole.
If the rot is just too deep for a filler that is simple, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you're unsure about your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to contact an expert.
While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility but it's much easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and think about using a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels in check.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. It's easy to spot, however it's often hidden behind the wall. 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. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage.
Fogged windows are another common sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to rise, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.
Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with seals expanding in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. Also, a simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Other causes of window seal failure is scrubbing the seals with brushes or washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean using a dry brush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your RV's windows. This will also give 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 more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, however it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. This is a DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV windows and save money.