Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, there are instances when replacing old windows are more economical.
Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. These are typically easy fixable with the right tools.
If the frame of the unit is rotten it is better to replace the whole unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can prevent these cracks from becoming worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.
First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip away any molding, trim or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to remove any glass fragments that are stuck to the frame.
After removing the window, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back into place from leaking, causing further damage. You'll also want to make sure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need to reduce it using a circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface is cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. After that, reinstall the glass inside the window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this process; it can cause the crack to deepen.
You can also apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different alternative. It's more time-consuming, but it offers the highest seal and makes your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes that could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is especially large or double-paned is best to contact a professional for a repair that is done by a professional.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience It could also be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Check the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both has become dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.
The moisture in windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This can cause the frame joints to become looser as time passes and become stuck. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home that lets water soak into the frame.
Another common reason for windows that don't open is a sash cord snapped. Try reattaching the cord with pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can cause windows to become bounded and be difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been sealed with paint 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, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are made from plastic or metal. These shoes have an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then, you can slide the sash upwards and down, and then check if the window works normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and transforms wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. The best way to prevent decay is to ensure your home is properly maintained and that areas that have exposure to the elements are properly protected. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting, clogged rain gutter, or minor roof leak can expose window frames as well as porch columns and other components of the home to decay organisms.
Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can occur when a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar although a combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most difficult spots. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the gap has 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 wish to accomplish, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame can be preserved.
If the rot has spread too far for a filler work, you'll need to replace the damaged part. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job right. If you're not sure of your skills at DIY you should seek out a professional.
While repairing wood that has rotted is always an option but it's much easier (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk as well as 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 excess humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to help keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Water that drips around or under windows is the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to spot, however it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damage in your RV. Repair My Windows And Doors to guard your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can identify soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking.
Fogged windows are a common indication of a leaky seal. They may not be structurally damaging, or cause your electric bills to rise, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder weather, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a cover when possible. A simple car wash will help to keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows.
Another factor that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean using a dry brush.
This is the simplest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. This also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.
Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, but it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your windows in your RV and save you money.