Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective.
Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in windows. These are usually simple fixes with the right tools.
If the frame of the unit is rotten, it's better to replace the entire unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass.
First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may also need to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue that glues the new glass from leakage and causing further damage. Also, you should ensure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll need to reduce it using circular saws or a miter saw.
After your surface is cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Then, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this process. This can cause cracks to become deeper.
In the end, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix can't completely conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.
Epoxy is another alternative. It's more time-consuming, however it will provide the most secure seal and will make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. It is also important to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to grow again. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair techniques, or your cracked glass is especially large or double-paned, it's best to contact a professional for a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that does not stay up can be more than a nuisance; it could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.
Moisture in the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. As time passes, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If your wood appears to be swelling, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to soak into the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers could be beneficial) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be in a position to break the bond by using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this does not work, you'll need to remove the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop or parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They have an U shape slot that is locked 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 image 2. Then, you can slide the sash up and down and check if the window works normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the portion of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mucus. The best way to stop rot is to make sure your home is properly maintained and that areas that have exposure to elements are protected. Even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting cycle or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose window frames, porch columns and other areas of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its strength.
Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can occur when a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough using a prybar, however the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap needs to be caulked and filled. There are upvc window repairs to choose from and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you want to complete, the depth of the hole is, and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.
If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, you'll need to replace the damaged part. This can be done by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you're not sure of your skills at DIY you should seek out an expert.
While repairing wood that has rotted is always a possibility but it's much easier (and less expensive) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Preventative measures can include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. This can be easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can identify soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually inspecting.
Fogged windows are another common indication of a leaky seal. They might not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill increase, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV.
Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and shrinking in colder ones. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the seals of your window.
Other causes of window seal failure are scrubbing the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean toothbrush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can help prevent costly problems in the future.
Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a much more costly fix than simply resealing the sash, but it's still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by faulty seals. If you are willing to commit just a few hours, then this is a simple DIY project that will prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long term.