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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray balls and projectiles. These are usually easy fixes using the correct tools. If the window's frame is getting rotten it is recommended to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you set down too hard may break the glass of 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 that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may have to use a utility knife to remove any stubborn glass shards that are stuck in the frame. After removing the glass clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back to its original position from leaking and causing further damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need cut it down using a circular saw or miter saw. Once your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for windows. Then, you can reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this step because it could cause the crack to get deeper. You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass including tinted ones. Be aware that this kind of fix won't completely cover the crack, therefore it's not a suitable choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more laborious 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 the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that can cause cracks to expand. If you're not confident with these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned glass, it's recommended to consult a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that does not stay up can be more than just an inconvenience and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. You will have to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've become dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This could cause the frame joints to loosen over time and then become stuck. It is possible to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that lets water soak into the frame. A sash cable that has snapped is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be beneficial) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll have to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be capable of breaking the bond with the help of a utility knife and slide it. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors does not work then you'll need to take out the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop or parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes in single-hung windows are typically made from plastic or metal. These shoes come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to rotate the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then slide the sash back and forward to check if it works correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the portion of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy mucus. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is properly maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Even the best of intentions just one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames, porch columns and other components of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its strength. Most wood decays are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can occur when damp proofing courses aren't installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do using a pry bar however a combination hammer and chisel may be required for the most difficult areas. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are many types of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and how deep the hole is. If the rot has gotten too far for a filler to work, you will need to replace the damaged component. This can be done by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more difficult task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills it is recommended to seek out an expert. Repairing wood that is rotting can be done however it is easier (and less expensive) to avoid the issue in the first instance. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also check for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping around or under windows is the most obvious indicator that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden in a wall and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can find small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while inspecting. Windows that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals. Other factors that can cause window seal failure is scratching the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean toothbrush. This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any required repairs. Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a much more costly fix than simply resealing the sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. If you're willing to invest a few hours of work, then this is an easy DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long term.