Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.
Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in window glass. These are typically easy fixable using the correct tools.
However, if the window's frame is beginning to decay 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 set down too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and reduce the cost of replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully pry off any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds 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 taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that is used to glue the new glass in place from spilling out and causing damage. Make sure that the new glass fits well. If the new piece is larger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down with circular saw or miter saw.
Once your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to become deeper.
In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. Just be aware that this type of repair will not fully cover the crack, so it's not a good option for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more laborious, but it offers the highest seal and can make your cracked glass almost invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. You'll also need to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand and then widen again. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is especially large or a double-paned window is best to call in the professionals to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that won't stay up is more than just a nuisance; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms that stop the sash from moving. However there are times when one or several of these mechanisms may be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. You'll have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've become dislodged.
Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. Over time, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to fix this issue without removing the window, if you use a blade to cut the frame joints apart. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to soak the frame.
Another common reason for windows that don't open is a snapped sash cord. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been painted shut and you want to break the bond by scoring the paint using an utility knife and attempting to move it. If this doesn't work, you will need remove the sash, and then cut the line between the sash stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. These shoes feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. You can then move the sash back forward to determine if it works properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly, it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the space it has infested. The fungus that causes it to thrive on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mucus. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are protected. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant, it only takes one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and compromise its structural integrity.
Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are 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 the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar, but a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the most difficult spots. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of 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 original frame can be preserved.
If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be done either by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. Going Listed here is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills it is recommended to call a professional.
While repairing wood that has rotted is a possibility, it's far easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window, and consider using a dehumidifier in order to keep moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath a window. It's easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. By gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually examining it can help you identify soft spots before they can cause water damage.
Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.
Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from damaging your window rubber seals.
Another reason that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy by using a dry toothbrush.
Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the condition of the window seals and make repairs that can help prevent costly problems in the future.
Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by seals that fail. If you are willing to commit some time it is a DIY project that will prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.