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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the proper tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is decayed it is better to replace the whole unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A storm that is severe, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase set down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and save you the cost of replacement glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife in order to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing. After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the prior piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to trim it. Now that your surface is clean, search for the glass adhesive made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass into the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to grow deeper. upvc window repairs can also apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It is designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted versions. This type of fix won't completely conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is more time-consuming to apply but offers the most durable 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 prior to applying the epoxy. You will also need be prepared for any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to grow. 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 get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes that won't slide open A window that won't stay up is more than simply a nuisance. It can also be a danger. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that stop the sash from moving. However, one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or disconnected. Inspect the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have been dislodged. You will need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've become dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. This could cause the frame joints to become looser over time and stick. It is possible to fix this issue without having to remove the window if you use a utility blade to break the frame joints apart. If your wood appears to be swelling, it's usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak into the frame. Another common reason for windows that aren't opening is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be helpful) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this fails then you'll have to take off 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). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists into a sloppy and spongy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is well maintained and areas that have exposure to elements are adequately protected. However, even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its strength. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing courses aren't installed or is damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar however a combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged part. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to finish the job right. If you're unsure of your ability to do this yourself you should seek out a professional. Repairing rotting wood is possible, but it is much more efficient (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing cracks around the windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also check 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 windows is the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes, this is obvious but most of the time it's hidden behind a wall, and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. Pressing gently against the seal trim and visual inspection will help you spot soft spots before they can cause water damage. The windows that are stained with fog can be a sign of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures they contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window. Another factor that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that will degrade the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks clean with a clean toothbrush. This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to examine the condition of the window seals and make repairs that can help prevent costly problems in the future. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, however it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. This is a DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV windows and save money.