Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows is more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are usually caused by stray balls and projectiles. These are typically easy fixes with the right tools.
If the window's frame is beginning to decay it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Glass that is cracked or broken
A severe storm, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and save you the expense of replacing glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may have to use an utility knife to cut off any stubborn glass shards that have gotten stuck in the frame.
After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the new glass in place from leakage and causing further damage. You'll also want to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous one, you'll have to cut it down using circular saws or a miter saw.
After your surface is cleaned, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. Place the glass back into your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this process. This can cause the cracks to get deeper.
You can also apply a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. Just be RepairMyWindowsAndDoors that this type of fix won't completely cover the crack, therefore it's not the best option for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Epoxy is another option. It's more time-consuming, however it provides the best seal and makes your glass break virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. Also, you'll need be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to expand. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is particularly large or has double-paned is best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that does not stay up can be more than a nuisance and could be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that keep the sash from sliding. However there are times when one or more mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Check the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both has become dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to stay in place.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in timber frames of sash windows. Over time, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to stick. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on your house's exterior which allows water to get into the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be helpful) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond by using an utility knife and then slide it. If this fails, you will need remove the sash, and then cut the gap between the sash and stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from metal or plastic. These shoes feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. Then you can move the sash up and down and check whether the window is functioning normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet and spongy mush. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are protected. Even if you are vigilant any missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak can expose window frames or porch columns and other parts of the house to decay organisms.
The majority of wood decays due to excessive humidity, which is typically caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can occur when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. This is typically done with a pry bar, however using a combination of hammer as well as chisel may be necessary for the most stubborn spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap 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 accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame can be preserved.
If the rot is just too deep for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you're not sure of your skills at DIY you should contact a professional.
While repairing rotting wood is always an option but it's much easier (and cheaper) to stop it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the 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 consider a dehumidifier to help keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Water that drips around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious sign that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to spot, but often it is hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can result in soft wood, mold, or 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 looking.
Fogged windows are another common indication of a leaky seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.
Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage with the seals swelling in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder temperatures. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a covers whenever you can. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure include cleaning the seals using brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush.
This is the easiest and least expensive 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.
It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you are willing to commit a few hours of work, then this is a simple DIY project that will greatly prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.