Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. However, there are times when replacing old windows are more economical.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the right tools, these are simple fixes.
However, if the frame of the window is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers, or the vase you place down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and reduce the cost of 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 employ a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to stick the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. You'll also want to ensure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to cut it down.
Once your surface is clean, search for a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for window glass and follow the directions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to become deeper.
In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all types of glass including tinted ones. Be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not the best option for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Another option is epoxy which is more time-consuming to apply but provides the most significant seal and will likely make the cracked window nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to expand. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is particularly large or has double-paned, it's best to call in the professionals to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than just an inconvenience It could also be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless the mechanism can be damaged or disconnected. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. As time passes, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If your wood appears swollen it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to get into the frame.
Another common reason for windows that don't open is a snapped sash cord. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling it back (pliers could help) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel of a double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be in a position to break the bond with an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll need to remove the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are typically constructed of either metal or plastic. They feature a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, you can slide the sash upwards and down again and see whether the window functions normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can cause serious harm to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has infested. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns 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 the areas that are exposed to the elements are well protected. However, even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose windows and porch columns as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and weaken its strength.
Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repair rot is removing the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar however a combination hammer and chisel may be needed for the most difficult spots. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the gap must be filled in and sealed. There are many wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.
If the rot has spread too far for a filler work, you'll have to replace the damaged part. This can be done by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more difficult task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY skills it is recommended to call a professional.
Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is easier (and less expensive) to prevent the problem in the first place. Preventative measures can include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under the window. Sometimes this is obvious but most of the time it's hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can result in soft wood, mold and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. You can spot soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while inspecting.
Fogged windows are a common sign of a failing seal. upvc repair might not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to skyrocket, but they do affect the appearance 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 contract. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.
Another factor that can cause seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a dry toothbrush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest method of protecting your RV's windows. It also gives you a chance to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can prevent costly future problems.
Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. If you are willing to invest just a few hours and time, then this is a simple DIY project that will prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the end.