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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the right tools, these are simple solutions. However, if the window's frame is getting rotten it's recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or Cracked Glass A bad storm, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase that is set too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep these cracks from getting worse and save you the cost of replacement glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife in order to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing. After taking the window off, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking and causing further damage. Also, you should make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it. Once your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. After that, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this process; it can cause the crack to grow. You can also apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. 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, however it provides the best 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 be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that can cause cracks to expand. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if the glass you have cracked is especially large or a double-paned window It's recommended to contact a professional for a repair that is done by a professional. Sashes that won't let you open A window that doesn't remain up is more than just an inconvenience; it could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could become disconnected or damaged. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to see if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them for the sash to remain in place. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in timber frames of sash windows. In time, this may loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints apart. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for a window that won't open is a sash cord snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you might be in a position to break the bond by using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this fails, you will need remove the sash, and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. They feature an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then, slide the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly; it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has invaded. The fungus responsible for it to feed on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a soggy and mush. To avoid rot it is important to ensure that your home is well maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. However, even if upvc window repairs , it only takes one missed painting session or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose windows or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its structural integrity. The majority of wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. This can occur when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. This is generally easy enough with a pry bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are many types of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole is. If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler then you'll need to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY you should seek out a professional. While repairing wood that has rotted is always a possibility however, it's much more effective (and more affordable) to prevent it in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing the cracks around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also be looking for signs of excessive humidity around your window, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under a window. This can be easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can lead to soft wood, mould, and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. Pressing gently against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you find weak spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows are a common indication of a leaky seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can detract from 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 can be mitigated by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. Other causes of window seal failure are scrubbing the seals with brushes or washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become 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 with a dry, soft brush. Doing these maintenance routines is the least expensive and most efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing water damage caused by failed sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of the RV windows and save money.