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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. However, there are instances when replacing windows that are old is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. These are typically easy repairs using the correct tools. If the window's frame is getting rotten it's recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and save you the cost of replacement glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. It is also possible to employ a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing more damage. It is also important to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll have to reduce it using a circular saw or miter saw. After your surface is clean, find the glass adhesive made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Install the glass back into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause the cracks to get deeper. You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. Be aware that this type of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not a suitable option for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is another alternative. It's more time-consuming, but it will provide the most secure seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. You will also need be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that could cause the cracks to widen. If you're not confident of these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals. Sashes that won't let you open A window that won't stay up is more than simply a nuisance. It could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. 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 joints of the frame and prying them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that lets water soak into the frame. Another common reason for windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers could help) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you will have to replace it. Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to move it. If this doesn't work then you'll need remove the sash, and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They feature an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to rotate the slot so that it faces the other way (Photo 2). upvc window repairs near me can then slide the sash back and forward to check if it works correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure your home is properly maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are adequately protected. Even if you're diligent any missed painting session, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak could expose your windows as well as porch columns and other areas of the house to decaying organisms. The majority of 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 damaged or when internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. This is typically done using a pry bar although using a combination of hammer as well as chisel may be necessary for the most difficult areas. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap needs to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you'd like to accomplish, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be saved. If the rot is too deep for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you're not sure of your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to contact a professional. While repairing wood that has rotted is always an option, it's far easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under the window. It's easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can cause soft wood, mould, or even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. You can spot small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while looking. Fogged windows are a common sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to rise, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash can help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows. Other causes of window seal failure is cleaning the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks 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 the window seals and make repairs, which can save you from costly future issues. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.