Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.
Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. upvc window repairs are usually easy repairs with the right tools.
However, if the frame of the window is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A severe storm, the pebble from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.
First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully pry off any trim, molding, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also need to employ a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to hold 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 piece is larger than the previous one, you'll need to cut it down using a circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface is cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause the cracks to get deeper.
Then, you can apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, therefore it's not a suitable option for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Another option is epoxy, which is more time-consuming to apply but will provide the strongest seal, and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that can cause cracks to expand. If you're not sure with these DIY methods, or if your cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it's recommended to contact a professional.
Sashes that won't open
A window that doesn't remain up is more than an inconvenience and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or removed. Inspect the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to remain in place.
Moisture in the sash window frames can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. In time, this may loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If your wood appears swollen it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak into the frame.
A snapped sash cable is another reason that can cause windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers might be helpful) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows is closed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to slide it. If this fails then you'll have to take off 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 that are used in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, use an screwdriver to turn the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). You can then move the sash back forward to determine if it works properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly, it poses a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and transforms wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. To stop the rot from occurring you must ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. However, even the best of intentions, it only takes one mishap with the painting process, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a variety of decay organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability.
The majority of wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is usually caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can occur when damp proofing isn't installed or is damaged or if internal materials such as plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.
The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, although the combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole is.
If the rot is just too deep for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to complete the task correctly. If you're unsure of your DIY ability here, then it's best to seek out a professional.
Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is simpler (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first place. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splashing up onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath a window. Sometimes this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. You can identify soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while visually checking.
Fogged windows are a common indication of a leaky seal. They may not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to increase, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from direct sun. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the seals of your window.
Other causes of window seal failure include scratching the seals with brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush.
Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. This will also give you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs.
It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, but it's still cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a DIY project that can extend the lifespan of your RV windows and help you save money.