Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With window lock repairs , these are simple solutions.
If the frame of the window is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A storm that is severe, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase that is set too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent these cracks from becoming worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty holding the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that are stuck to the frame.
After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will help prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back into place from leaking and causing more damage. You'll also want to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the prior piece, you'll need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.
After your surface is cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. Then, you can reinstall the glass into the window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this step; it can cause the crack to grow.
Then, you can apply products 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 versions. This type of fix won't completely cover the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.
Epoxy is another option. It's more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and can make your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared for any sudden weather changes that could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not confident with these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is large or a two-paned glass, it's recommended to consult a professional.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that won't stay up isn't simply a nuisance. It could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However, one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've been dislodged.
Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. In time, this may loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible 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 swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that lets water soak into the frame.
Another common reason for a window that won't open is a sash cord that has snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might be helpful) and then slid the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is completely broken, you will have to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond with an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll need to take off the sash and then cut the gap between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from metal or plastic. They feature a U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing sideways (Photo 2). Then, you can move the sash up and down, and then check whether the window functions normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly, it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the area it has infested. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists into a soggy and spongy mush. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is properly maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. Even if you're diligent any missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak can expose windows, porch columns, and other areas of the house to decay organisms.
The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged, or when internal materials like drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is typically done using a pry bar although a combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most difficult spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the hole needs to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers that are available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you want to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.
If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY you should seek out a professional.
While repairing wood that is rotting is always an option but it's much easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. Preventative measures can include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath the window. It's easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. You can spot small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking.
Fogged windows can also be an indication of a weak seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.
Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder temperatures. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging your window rubber seals.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure are scrubbing the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone 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.
Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can help prevent costly problems in the future.
Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, but it's still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a DIY project that can prolong the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.