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 old windows is more economical.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the right tools, these are easy fixes.
If the frame of the unit is rotten it is better to replace the entire unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip away any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass pieces that are stuck to the frame.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back to its original position from leaking, causing further damage. You'll also want 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 cut it down using a circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. Then, you can reinstall the glass into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to grow deeper.
You can also apply products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. This type of fix can't completely cover the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside.
Epoxy is another alternative. It's more time-consuming, however it offers the highest seal and will make your cracked glass almost invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is particularly large or a double-paned glass It's recommended to contact a professional for a professional repair.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that will not stay up can be more than an inconvenience and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However one or more of these mechanisms can become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to stay in place.
The moisture in sash window frames can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You can repair this problem without having to remove the window if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints. If your wood appears swollen it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to soak into the frame.
A sash cable that has snapped is another reason that can cause windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling the cord (pliers may be helpful) and then slid the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel of a double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be capable of breaking the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are typically made from plastic or metal. They come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. Then, slide the sash upwards and down, and then check whether the window functions normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mucus. The best way to stop decay is to ensure your home is maintained and areas that have exposure to elements are properly protected. However, even when you're diligent just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames, porch columns and other components of your home to a variety of decay organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and compromise its strength.
The majority of wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can happen when damp-proofing course is not installed or damaged or when the internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar but a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult places. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap needs to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers to choose from and the best one will depend on the amount of work you wish to accomplish, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame can be saved.
If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job right. If you are unsure about your DIY skills It is recommended to consult a professional.
Repairing rotting wood can be accomplished, but it is much simpler (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first place. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splattering onto exterior trim. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about using a dehumidifier in order to keep humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under the window. This can be easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can cause soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. You can identify soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while checking.
Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.
The failure of window seals is largely caused by weather damage with seals expanding in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder ones. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the seals of your window.
Another reason that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals with brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. upvc sill repair to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry brush.
Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. This will also give you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs.
It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still cheaper than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. If you are willing to invest some time, then this is a DIY project that will greatly extend the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.