15 Reasons You Must Love Window Repairs 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 cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With foggy window repair , these are easy fixes.

If the window's frame is getting rotten it's recommended to replace the entire unit.

Broken or cracked glass

A storm that is severe, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.

First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any molding, trim or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use a utility knife to remove any glass pieces that are stuck to the frame.

After removing the window, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to put the glass back to its original position from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.

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

You can also use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. Be aware that this kind of repair will not fully cover the crack, therefore it's not a good solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more time-consuming to apply but provides the most significant seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair methods, or your cracked glass is particularly large or a double-paned glass is best to contact a professional to have a professional repair.

Sashes That Willn't Open

A window that will not stay up for long can be more than a nuisance; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However, one or several of these mechanisms may be damaged or disconnected. Inspect the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place.

Moisture in the windows sash can trigger cycles of contraction or expansion. As time passes, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You can repair this problem without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints apart. If your wood appears to be swelling, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to enter the frame.

Another common reason for windows that aren't opening is a sash cord snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling it back (pliers could be helpful) and then sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it.

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

The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are usually constructed of either metal or plastic. They have an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the photo 2. Then you can slide the sash up and down, and then check if the window works normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy mush. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. However, even if you're vigilant just one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its strength.

The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is often caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. The latter can occur if damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult areas. After the rotten wood has been removed, the hole needs to be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame can be saved.

If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be done either by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task right. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to call a professional.

While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option, it's far easier (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing a drip edge on the roof to stop water from splattering onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. This can be easy to spot, however it's usually hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mould and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular cleaning and inspection checks. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage.

Windows that have a haze of fog are an indication of a failing seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they affect the appearance of your RV.

The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures they contract. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a covers whenever you can. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows.

Other causes of window seal failure include cleaning the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that degrade the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean using a dry brush.


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

It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's less expensive than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a straightforward DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your RV windows and save money.