Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows are more cost-effective.
Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the proper tools, these are simple fixes.
If the frame of the unit is damaged it is better to replace the entire unit.
Glass that is cracked or broken
A bad storm, the pebble from your lawnmowers, or the vase you put down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. You can stop these cracks from becoming worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.
First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that are stuck in the frame.
After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to hold the glass to the surface from leaking out and causing more damage. Make upvc window repairs near me that the new glass fits well. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.
Now that your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this procedure because it could cause the crack to get deeper.
In the end, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely conceal the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside.
Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more laborious, but it provides the best seal and will make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need be prepared for any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is particularly large or a double-paned window is best to contact a professional for a repair that is done by a professional.
Sashes that won't open
A window that will not stay up can be more than an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However, one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to see if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them for the sash to stay in place.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows that are made of timber. As time passes, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility knife to pry the frame joints. If your wood appears to be swelling, it's typically due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak into the frame.
A snapped sash cable is another reason that can cause a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been closed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this fails, you'll need to remove the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. They have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways by following the image 2. Then you can move the sash up and down again and see whether the window is functioning normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only ugly, it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the area it has infested. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists into a sloppy mush. To prevent rot you must ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Even when you're diligent, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose windows or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a variety of decay organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and cause damage to its strength.
The majority of wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.
The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy to do using a pry bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the stubbornest places. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the gap must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you wish to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame can 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 either by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to finish the job right. If you're unsure of your DIY ability here you should seek out an expert.
While repairing rotting wood is always an option, it's far easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the first place. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing a drip edge on the roof to stop water from splattering onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious sign that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden in a wall and more difficult to locate. This can cause soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to guard windows. Gently pressing against the seal trim and visually inspecting will help you spot soft spots before they can cause water damage.
Fogged windows can also be an indication of a failing seal. They may not be structurally harmful or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.
The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder weather, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it away from direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.
Another reason that can cause sealing failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean toothbrush.
This is the easiest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.
Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. If you're willing to commit a few hours of work it is an easy DIY project that will greatly prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.