Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more economical.
Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. These are usually simple fixes using the correct tools.
If the frame of the unit is decayed it is better to replace the whole unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A storm that is severe, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you set down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. It is also possible to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to hold the new glass in place from spilling out and causing damage. Also, you should make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.
After your surface has been cleaned, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to become deeper.
Finally, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this kind of repair will not fully cover the crack, therefore it's not a good choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different option. It is more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and makes the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to scrub your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to grow again. If you're not sure using these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals.
Sashes that won't let you open
A window that doesn't remain up is more than just an inconvenience and could be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that assist in stopping the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However one or more of these mechanisms could become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see if either or both are dislodged. You will need to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they have been dislodged.
upvc window repairs near me can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. In time, this may weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to enter the frame.
A sash cable that has snapped is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using 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 also cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to slide it. If this fails then you'll need to take out the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes in single-hung windows are typically made of metal or plastic. These shoes have a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need an screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then move the sash back and forward to check whether it is working properly.
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 for it to thrive on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy and mush. The best way to prevent rot is to make sure your home is properly maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are properly protected. Even the best of intentions just one missed painting session or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose windows or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its stability.
Most wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is often caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. The latter can occur if damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar, but a combination hammer and chisel may be required for the most difficult areas. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers that are available and the best 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 saved.
If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be done either by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task right. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to consult 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 any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath the window. Sometimes this is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. You can identify soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while inspecting.
Fogged windows can also be an indication of a weak seal. They may not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to skyrocket, but they do detract from the aesthetics of your RV.
Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage with seals expanding in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sun. Also, a simple car wash will help to keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Another factor that can cause seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy by using a dry toothbrush.
Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. This will also give you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs.
Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, however it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. This is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.