Window Repairs: A Simple Definition Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective.

Cracks or holes in windows' glass are usually caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the right tools, these are easy fixes.

If the frame of the unit is decayed, it's better to replace the entire unit.

Glass that is cracked or broken

A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.

The first step in any repair is to remove the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any molding, trim or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. You may need to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that are stuck to the frame.

After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent 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 glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the glass you're replacing is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to use a circular or mitersaw to trim it.

After your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to get deeper.

Finally, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass, including tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are seen from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but will provide the strongest seal, and can make your window glass that has been damaged almost invisible. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques, or your cracked glass is particularly large or has double-paned It's recommended to call in the professionals for a repair that is done by a professional.

Sashes that won't slide open

A window that doesn't remain up is more than a nuisance; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to help keep the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.

The moisture inside the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to loosen as time passes and become stuck. You might be able to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on your house's exterior which lets water soak into the frame.

Another common reason for a window that won't open is a snapped sash cord. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers could be helpful) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of a double-hung window is painted shut it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to move it. If this doesn't work, you will need remove the sash, and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

The sash shoes in single-hung windows are usually made from plastic or metal. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to rotate the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then, slide the sash upwards and down again and see whether the window is functioning normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the portion of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy and mush. The best way to avoid decay is to ensure your home is properly maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are adequately protected. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting cycle 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 myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability.

The majority of wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.

The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's generally easy to do using a pry bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are many wood fillers that are available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you'd like to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame can be saved.

If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you're unsure about your ability to do this yourself it is recommended to call in a professional.

While repairing wood that has rotted is always a possibility but it's much easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to stop water from splashing up onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in check.

Dirty Seals


Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. By gently pressing against the seal trim and visually examining it can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage.

Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a failing seal. They may not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill skyrocket, but they do hinder the aesthetics of your RV.

Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage with the seals swelling in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder temperatures. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. A simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows.

Other causes of window seal failure is cleaning the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that degrade the rubber. This can cause the seals to become fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid upvc door repairs near me and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy by using a dry toothbrush.

Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can prevent costly future problems.

Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by seals that fail. If you're willing to invest just a few hours, then this is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.