7 Simple Secrets To Totally Making A Statement With Your Window Repairs

Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows is more cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. With the right tools, these are simple solutions.

If the frame of the unit is decayed, it's better to replace the whole unit.

Broken or cracked glass

A bad storm or the sand from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid 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 holds the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that have gotten stuck in the frame.

After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent 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 new glass is bigger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down using circular saw or miter saw.

After your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Place the glass back into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This can cause the cracks to get deeper.

Finally, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass, including tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of fix won't completely cover the crack, therefore it's not a suitable solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.

Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more time-consuming, but it will provide the most secure seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. Also, you'll need be prepared for any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not confident with these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it's recommended to contact a professional.

Sashes that won't slide open

A window that doesn't remain up is more than a nuisance and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Inspect the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if one or both has become dislodged. You will have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they have been dislodged.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. This could cause the frame joints to loosen over time and stick. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If your wood appears to be swelling, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak into the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another reason for windows not opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling it back (pliers could help) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.

RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond with the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this fails then you'll need to take out the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).

The sash shoes in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. They feature an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the photo 2. You can then move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mucus. To prevent rot, you should ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Unfortunately, even when you're diligent, it only takes one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose window frames, porch columns and other components of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its strength.

The majority of wood decays are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. This can happen if a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.

The first step to repairing decay is to remove the old material. This is typically done with a pry bar, but using a combination of hammer as well as chisel may be necessary for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on the amount of work you're willing to put into it and the depth of the hole.

If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. If you're unsure of your DIY ability here, then it's best to contact a professional.

Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished however it is more efficient (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping from or around windows is the most obvious sign that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes this is obvious however, it is often hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can cause soft wood, mould and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is with regular inspection and cleaning. By gently pressing against the seal trim and visually examining it can help you find weak spots before they cause water damage.

Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. They might not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill 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 while in colder temperatures they contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cover when possible. A simple car wash will assist in preventing the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

Another factor that can lead to sealing failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks clean by using a dry toothbrush.

Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your RV's windows. This will also give you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.

Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. If you are willing to invest just a few hours it is an easy DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the end.