Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more economical.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. These are usually easy repairs using the correct tools.
However, if the window's frame is getting rotten, it's best to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A storm that is severe or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.
First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the new glass from spilling out and causing damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need to cut it down using a circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. After that, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to become deeper.
Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This kind of fix will not completely hide the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.
upvc repairs is epoxy, which is a bit more laborious to apply, but provides the most significant seal, and can make your window glass that has been damaged virtually unnoticeable. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes that could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not sure with these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned glass, it's recommended to contact a professional.
Sashes That Won't Open
A window that will not stay up for long can be more than an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Single- and double-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. You'll need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've been dislodged.
Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. This can cause the frame joints to become looser over time and then become stuck. You might be able to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If your wood appears swollen it's typically due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to enter the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is damaged, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be in a position to break the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the sash and then cut the gap between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are typically made from plastic or metal. They feature a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then, move the sash back forth to see if it works correctly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the space it has invaded. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mush. To stop the rot from occurring it is important to ensure that your home is maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are protected. Even if you are vigilant any missed painting session or clogged gutter or a minor roof leak could expose your window frames, porch columns, and other parts of the home to decaying organisms.
Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen when a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do this using a pry-bar but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the most difficult places. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and how deep the hole is.
If the rot has gotten too far for a filler to perform, you will have to replace the damaged part. You can hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY, then it's best to seek out a professional.
While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option however, it's much more effective (and cheaper) to prevent it in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing the cracks around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under windows is the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. It's easy to spot, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damages in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can spot soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually looking.
Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics.
The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures they contract. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. Also, a simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Another factor that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will degrade the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone 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 with a dry brush.
Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest method to safeguard your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to assess the condition of your window seals, and make repairs that can save you from costly future issues.
Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing the sash, however it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by failed seals. This is a DIY project that can extend the life of the RV windows and help you save money.