What's The Most Common Window Repairs Debate Could Be As Black And White As You Might Think Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, 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. These are usually easy fixes using the correct tools.

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

Broken or cracked glass

A severe storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase set down too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.

First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any trim, molding or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may also have 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 surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous one, you'll need reduce it using circular saws or a miter saw.

Now that your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass inside the window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure because it could cause the crack to grow.

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

Epoxy is another alternative. It is more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and makes your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to widen. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is especially large or double-paned is best to contact a professional for a professional repair.

Sashes That Won't Open

A window that will not remain up is more than just an inconvenience It could also be dangerous. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors -hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain stable.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. As time passes, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You may be able to repair this without taking down 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 that allows water to soak the frame.

A snapped sash cable is another reason for windows that aren't opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you will need to replace it.

Paint can cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be able to break the bond using a utility blade and sliding it. If this fails then you'll need to take off the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from plastic or metal. These shoes come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing sideways (Photo 2). You can then move the sash back and forth to see if it works properly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the part of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and transforms wooden beams, walls, and joists into a soggy and spongy mush. The best way to stop rot is to make sure your home is maintained and areas that have exposure to the elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant, it only takes one missed painting session or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose window frames, porch columns and other areas of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its stability.


The majority of wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which can 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 the internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.

The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. It is usually easy to do this using a pry-bar but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the stubbornest places. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are many wood fillers that are available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you wish to complete, the depth of the hole is and how much of the frame is left to be saved.

If the rot is just too deep for a simple filler then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done right. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to call an expert.

Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished however it is easier (and less expensive) to prevent the problem at the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. You should also check for signs of excessive humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping from or around a window is likely to be the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes, this is obvious, but often it is hidden behind a wall, and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damage to your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify soft spots before they can cause water damage.

Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.

The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures they contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

Other factors that can cause window seal failure are scratching the seals with brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more prone 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.

This is the most efficient and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals, and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems.

Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, but it's nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. This is a DIY project that can prolong the life of the RV windows and save money.