An Adventure Back In Time How People Talked About Window Repairs 20 Years Ago Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

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

Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in windows. These are usually easy fixable with the right tools.

However, if the window's frame is beginning to decay it's recommended to replace the entire unit.

Glass that is cracked or broken

A bad storm or a stray 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 these cracks from getting worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.

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

After removing the window, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to hold the glass to the surface from spilling out and causing damage. You'll also want to make sure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new piece is larger than the old one, you'll have to reduce it using a circular saw or miter saw.

After simply click the following post is clean, locate the glass adhesive designed for window glass and follow the directions on how to apply it. Then, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to deepen.

In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's formulated to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. Be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not a good solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.

Epoxy is another alternative. It's more laborious, but it offers the highest seal and makes the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to wash your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to expand. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if the glass you have cracked is particularly large or has a double-paned glass, it's best to get in touch with a professional for a professional repair.

Sashes that won't slide open

A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience It could also be a risk. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that assist in stopping the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or several of these mechanisms may be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.

Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. In time, this may cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might help) and then sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll need to replace it.

Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on double-hung windows is painted shut and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this doesn't work, you will need to remove the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of plastic or metal. They have an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then you can slide the sash up and down again and see whether the window is functioning normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just visually unattractive, but it can be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area it has invaded. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. To stop the rot from occurring you must ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are protected. Even if you're diligent, one missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak can expose your windows or porch columns and other components of the home to decay organisms.

Most wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. The latter can occur when a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.

The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough using a prybar, however the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap needs to be filled and sealed. There are many wood fillers available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame can be preserved.

If the rot has spread too far for a filler perform, you will need to replace the damaged component. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY abilities, it is best to consult an expert.

Repairing wood that is rotting is possible, but it is much easier (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check.

Dirty Seals

The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under the window. It's easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage.

Fogged windows are another common indication of a leaky seal. They may not be structurally damaging or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.

Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. This issue can be cured by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it away from direct sun. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

Other factors that can cause window seal failure is cleaning the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush.

Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of the window seals and make repairs, which can help prevent costly problems in the future.


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