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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. But, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more economical. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. With the right tools, these are easy fixes. If the frame of the window is beginning to decay, it's best to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and help you avoid the expense of replacing glass. First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use a utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that are stuck in the frame. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to stick the glass back in place from leaking and 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 larger than the prior piece, you will need to use a circular or mitersaw to cut it down. Now that your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this step; it can cause the crack to grow. Then, you can apply a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. Be aware that this kind of repair will not fully cover the crack, so it's not a suitable solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is a little more time-consuming to apply, but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area before applying epoxy. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to widen. If you're not sure using these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is very large or two-paned glass, it's recommended to consult a professional. Sashes that won't slide open A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than just an inconvenience and could be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them for the sash to remain in place. The moisture inside the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to become loose over time and stick. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window if you use a utility blade to pry the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears swollen it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to enter the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another reason for a window not opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this does not work 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). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from plastic or metal. They feature an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways 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 only unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the part of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists into a soggy and spongy mush. To avoid rot, you should ensure that your home is properly maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Even if you are vigilant any missed painting session, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak can expose window frames as well as porch columns and other parts of the house to decay organisms. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. It is usually easy to do with a pry-bar, but a combination hammer and chisel may be needed for the stubbornest areas. After the decayed wood has been removed, the hole needs to be caulked and filled. There are upvc window repairs near me of wood fillers that are available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame can be preserved. If the rot has gotten too far for a filler to perform, you will have to replace the damaged component. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job right. If you are unsure about your DIY abilities, it is best to call an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be done, but it is much more efficient (and less expensive) to avoid the issue in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also be looking for signs of excessive humidity around your window, and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around windows is the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes, this is obvious, but often it is hidden in a wall and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. The best method to guard your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can identify soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while checking. The windows that are stained with fog can be a sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally damaging or cause your electric bills to increase, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it under covers whenever you can. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. Another cause that can lead to seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean using a dry brush. This is the easiest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. This will also give you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's less expensive than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of the RV windows and help you save money.