10 Facts About Window Repairs That Will Instantly Bring You To A Happy Mood Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.

Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the appropriate tools, these are easy solutions.

If the frame of the unit is rotten it is better to replace the entire unit.

Broken or cracked glass

A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can stop these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.

First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. You may also need to use a utility knife in order 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 prevent the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking and causing further damage. You'll also want to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.

Once your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for windows. Place the glass back into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to grow deeper.

In the end, you can use a product like 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 cover the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more laborious to apply, but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to expand. If you are not confident of these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals.

Sashes That Won't Open

A window that isn't able to stay up isn't just 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, one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have been dislodged. You will need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've been dislodged.

Moisture in the windows sash can trigger cycles of contraction or expansion. This can cause the frame joints to become loose 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 frame's joints and slicing them open. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's typically because of a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to get into the frame.

Another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening is a sash cord snapped. You can try to reattach the cord with pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll require replacement.

Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be able to break the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this does not work then you'll have to take off the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from plastic or metal. These shoes feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the image 2. Then move the sash back forward to check if it works correctly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious danger to the structural integrity of the portion of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy mush. To stop the rot from occurring it is important to ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Even if you're vigilant just one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose window frames or 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 weaken its stability.

The majority of wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can happen if damp proofing courses aren't installed or damaged or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's generally easy to do with a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the most difficult places. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers available 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 original frame can be saved.

If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY skills it is recommended to call a professional.

While repairing rotting wood is always an option, it's far easier (and less expensive) to prevent it in the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check.

Dirty Seals

One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath a window. Sometimes this is obvious but most of the time it's hidden behind a wall, and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best method to safeguard windows. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage.

The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity 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 weather, they shrink. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a cover when possible. A simple car wash can aid in preventing salt from damaging your window rubber seals.

upvc window repairs that contribute to window seal failure is scratching the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry brush.

Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient method to safeguard your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to examine the condition of the window seals and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems.

It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, but it's still cheaper than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. If you're willing to invest some time, then this is a DIY project that will greatly prolong the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.