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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. However, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in windows' glass are usually 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. Broken or Cracked Glass A storm that is severe or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase that is set too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately with a little effort 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 take off the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may also have to use a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to hold the glass to the surface from spilling out and causing damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the prior piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to reduce it. After your surface is clean, find the glass adhesive designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Place the glass back into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause the cracks to get deeper. You can also make use of products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. Just be aware that this type of repair will not fully cover the crack, so it's not a good choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different option. It's more time-consuming, however it will provide the most secure seal and makes your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to widen once more. If you're not confident with these DIY methods, or if your cracked glass is large or a two-paned glass, it's recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't let you open A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than a nuisance It could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving. However there are times when one or more mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. You will have to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they have been dislodged. The moisture in window frames of the sash can cause cycles of expansion and contraction. This can cause the frame joints to become loose over time and stick. You can repair this problem without removing the window if you use a blade to break the frame joints apart. If the wood appears swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for windows that aren't opening is a sash cord snapped. Try reattaching the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be beneficial) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you will need to replace it. Paint can also cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been sealed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to move it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop or parting strip or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are usually made from plastic or metal. They feature an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need an screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, slide the sash upwards and down, and then check whether the window is functioning normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has invaded. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet and spongy mush. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is well maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity. The majority of wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing courses aren't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult areas. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to complete, the depth of the hole is, and how much of the original frame can be saved. If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, 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 complicated project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you are unsure about your DIY abilities It is recommended to call an expert. While repairing rotting wood is always a possibility but it's much easier (and less expensive) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and consider using a dehumidifier in order to keep humidity levels in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to see, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can cause soft wood, mould and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. By gently pressing against upvc repair and visually inspecting can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electricity 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 and in colder temperatures they contract. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from damaging your window rubber seals. Another reason that can lead to sealing failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that will break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush. This is the most efficient and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. This also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you're willing to put in some time, then this is a simple DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.