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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more economical. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the appropriate tools, these are easy fixes. If the frame of the unit is decayed, it's better to replace the whole unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A storm that is severe or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it. After your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure because it could cause the crack to get deeper. You can also use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass, including tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of fix won't completely cover the crack, so it's not the best choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal, and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. You'll also need to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to widen again. If you are not confident using these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned glass, it's best to call the professionals. Sashes that won't let you open A window that doesn't remain up is more than just a nuisance. It could be a danger. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see if either or both are dislodged. You will have to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows made of timber. As time passes, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. You might be able to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and then prying them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your home that lets water soak into the frame. A snapped sash cable is another reason for windows that aren't opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If upvc maintenance is broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of a double-hung window is sealed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with a utility knife and 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, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. They have a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down by following the image 2. Then, slide the sash back and forward to determine whether it is working correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the portion of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists into a soggy mush. The best way to avoid decay is to ensure that your home is properly maintained and areas that have exposure to elements are properly protected. Even if you are vigilant the slightest lapse in painting, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak can expose your window frames as well as porch columns and other parts of the home to decaying organisms. The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you want to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY abilities it is recommended to seek out an expert. While repairing wood that has rotted is always a possibility however, it's much more effective (and less expensive) to prevent it in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing up onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window, and consider using a dehumidifier in order to keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious sign that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes, it is easy to detect, but often it is hidden within a wall and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. Pressing gently against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage. Windows that have a haze of fog are an indication of a weak seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can take away from the appearance of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, as the seals expand 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 when possible. Also, a simple car wash can keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows. Another reason that can lead to seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean with a dry brush. This is the easiest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals and repair them, which will help prevent costly problems in the future. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. If you're willing to invest some time, then this is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the end.