Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the right tools, these are easy solutions.
If the frame of the unit is rotten, it's better to replace the whole unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe by investing a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the window, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that is used to glue the glass to the surface from leaking out and causing more damage. Also, you should ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.
After your surface is cleaned, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Then, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to become deeper.
Finally, you can use a product 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 conceal the crack, so it's not a good choice 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 your cracked window glass virtually unnoticeable. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. You'll also need to be prepared to deal with any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to grow once more. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is particularly large or a double-paned window is best to call in the professionals to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that isn't able to stay up is more than simply a nuisance. Repair My Windows And Doors can also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However the mechanism may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain in place.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. You can repair this problem without removing the window if you use a blade to cut the joints of the frame apart. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's usually caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame.
Another common reason for a window that won't open is a snapped sash cord. Try reattaching the cord by pulling it back (pliers could be beneficial) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll require replacement.
Paint can also cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel of a double-hung window is painted shut and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to move it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. They have an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to rotate the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then you can move the sash up and down, and then check whether the window functions normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only unsightly; it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has infested. The fungus responsible for it to feed on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy mush. To avoid rot it is important to ensure that your home is properly maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames or porch columns, as well as other components of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity.
The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen when a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the most difficult places. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.
If the rot is just too deep for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here it is recommended to seek out an expert.
Repairing rotting wood can be accomplished however it is more efficient (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing the cracks around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about using a dehumidifier in order to keep humidity levels in check.
Dirty Seals
The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under the window. It's easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can spot soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while visually inspecting.
Fogged windows are a common sign of a leaking seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from the aesthetics of your RV.
Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and shrinking in colder temperatures. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash can keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure include scratching the seals with brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush.
This is the simplest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems.
Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a DIY project that can extend the life of your RV windows and help you save money.