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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the appropriate tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is decayed it is better to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A severe storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, upvc sill repair and effort can keep these cracks from becoming worse and save you the expense of replacing glass. The first step in any repair is to take off the broken pane of glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife in order 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 help prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back into place from leaking, causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous one, you'll need to reduce it using circular saw or miter saw. After your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass in your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to grow. Finally, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted versions. Just be aware that this type of fix won't completely conceal the crack, so it's not the best solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more laborious, but it provides the best seal and can make your cracked glass almost invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. You will also need be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that could cause cracks to grow. If you're not confident using these DIY methods, or if your cracked glass is large or a two-paned, it is best to call the professionals. Sashes That Willn't Open A window that won't stay up isn't just a nuisance. It could be a danger. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain stable. Moisture in the sash window frames can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to become loose as time passes and become stuck. You might be able to repair this without taking down the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If your wood appears to be swollen, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame. Another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening is a sash cord that has snapped. Try reattaching the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows has been painted shut, you may be capable of breaking the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are made from plastic or metal. They have an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, move the sash back and forward to check whether it is working properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly; it can also pose a serious threat to the structural integrity in the area it has invaded. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. The best way to avoid rot is to make sure your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are adequately protected. Even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting cycle or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose window frames or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and compromise its stability. Most wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It is usually easy to do with a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult areas. After the rotten wood has been removed, the hole needs to be caulked and filled. There are many wood fillers available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to complete, the depth of the hole is, and how much of the frame is left to be saved. If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged component. This can be done by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here it is recommended to call in an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be accomplished however it is simpler (and cheaper) to avoid the issue at the beginning. Preventative measures can include sealing cracks around the 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 windows, and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around windows is the most obvious indicator that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes, it is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and is harder to locate. This can cause soft wood, mold, and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. Pressing gently against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows can also be an indication of a weak seal. They may not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill rise, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures, they shrink. This can be mitigated by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from damaging the seals of your window. Another cause that can lead to sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will cause the rubber to break down. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean using a dry brush. This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to examine the condition of your window seals and make repairs that 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 your sash, but it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. This is a DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your RV windows and help you save money.