The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Window Repairs Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

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

Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. These are usually simple fixes using the correct tools.

If the frame of the window is beginning to decay it is recommended to replace the entire window.


Broken or Cracked Glass

A bad storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase that is set too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from getting worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.

The first step in any repair is to take off the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may also have to employ a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.

After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from leaking out and causing more damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you will need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.

After your surface is cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. Then, reinstall the glass inside the window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to deepen.

You can also use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this type of fix will not completely conceal the crack, so it's not a suitable choice 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 cracked window glass nearly invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to widen. If you're not confident with these DIY methods, or if your cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional.

Sashes That Won't Open

A window that doesn't stay up isn't simply a nuisance. It could be dangerous. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However, one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Check the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the timber frames of sash windows. This could cause the frame joints to become loose as time passes and become stuck. You may be able to repair this without dismantling 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 your house's exterior which allows water to get into the frame.

Another reason that is commonly cited for windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to reattach the cord with pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will need to replace it.

Paint can also cause windows to become bounded and become difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on a double-hung window is closed with paint and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint with a utility knife and trying to move it. If this fails, you'll need to remove the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or 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 feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side by following the image 2. You can then move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot is not only unsightly; it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it has infested. The fungus that causes it is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet mush. To prevent rot, you should ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well protected. Even if you are vigilant, one missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak could expose your windows, porch columns, and other areas of the house to decaying organisms.

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

The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, however a combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most difficult spots. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you're willing to put into it and how deep the hole is.

If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, you will need to replace the damaged component. This can be done either by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. upvc window repairs is a more complex project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. If you're unsure about your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to call in a professional.

While repairing rotting wood is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and cheaper) 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 splattering onto the trim on the exterior. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under the window. Sometimes, it is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and is harder to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. You can find soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while visually inspecting.

Windows that are stained with fog are another indication of a leaky seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electric 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 temperatures, they shrink. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a covers whenever you can. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.

Other causes of window seal failure are cleaning the seals using brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a clean toothbrush.

This is the easiest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. This also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.

Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, however it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. If you're willing to commit some time it is an easy DIY project that can extend the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.