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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 old windows are more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in window glass. upvc windows repairs near me are typically easy fixes with the right tools. If the frame of the unit is rotten, it's better to replace the entire unit. Broken or Cracked Glass A bad storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you put down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by investing a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass. First, 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 a utility knife to remove any glass fragments that are stuck to the frame. After taking the window off, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back into place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to ensure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the previous piece, you will need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to reduce it. Once your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Then, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to grow deeper. Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. Be aware that this kind of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not a suitable solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more time-consuming, but it provides the best seal and will make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. You'll also need be prepared for any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to expand once more. If you're not confident of these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it's best to call the professionals. Sashes that won't slide open A window that isn't able to stay up isn't just a nuisance. It can also be a danger. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if one or both has become dislodged. You'll need to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they've been dislodged. The moisture in window frames of the sash can cause cycles of expansion and contraction. This could cause the frame joints to loosen as time passes and become stuck. It is possible to fix this issue without removing the window, if you use a blade to cut the frame joints apart. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for a window that won't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is completely broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to move it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off 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 plastic or metal. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need an screwdriver to turn the slot so that it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then, slide the sash back and forward to determine whether it functions correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity in the area it has infested. The fungus that causes it feasts on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy mush. The best way to prevent rot is to make sure your home is maintained and that areas that have exposure to the elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak can expose your window frames, porch columns, and other components of the home to decay organisms. Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or is damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, but the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap needs to be filled and caulked. There are a myriad of wood fillers available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to complete, the depth of the hole is, and how much of the frame can be preserved. If the rot is too deep for a filler that is simple, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to call an expert. While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility but it's much easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under the window. Sometimes this is obvious, but often it is hidden behind a wall, and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify soft spots before they cause water damage. The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows. Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is scratching the seals using brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean using a dry brush. This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will help prevent costly problems in the future. Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by failed seals. If you are willing to put in just a few hours it is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.