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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. However, there are times when replacing old windows is more economical. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the right tools, these are simple solutions. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of the unit is rotten It is recommended to replace the whole unit. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm, a pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase that is set too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe by investing a little more time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use a utility knife to cut off any stubborn glass shards that have gotten stuck in the frame. After removing the glass clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back to its original position from leaking, causing further damage. You'll also want to ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for window glass. Install the glass back into the window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to become deeper. Finally, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix won't completely cover the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. You will also need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to widen. If you're not sure using these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it's recommended to consult a professional. Sashes that won't let you open A window that won't stay up is more than just a nuisance; it can also be a danger. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However, one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Examine the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both has become dislodged. You will have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows made of timber. This can cause the frame joints to become loose over time and stick. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If your wood appears swollen it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to soak into the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. You can try to reattach the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can also cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with a utility knife and trying to move it. If this does not work, you'll need to remove the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from metal or plastic. They have a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then you can slide the sash up and down and check whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy and mush. The best way to stop rot is to make sure your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are protected. Even if you're diligent any missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak could expose window frames or porch columns and other areas of the house to decaying organisms. The majority of wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can happen when damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is typically done using a prybar, however using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are many wood fillers that are available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you want to complete, the depth of the hole is, and how much of the original frame can be preserved. If the rot has gotten too far for a filler to perform, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you're unsure about your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to call in a professional. While repairing wood that has rotted is always an option, it's far easier (and cheaper) to stop it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splashing up onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under a window. Sometimes, this is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and harder to find. This can cause soft wood, mould, or even structural damage to your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can spot soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually inspecting. Windows that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from the aesthetics of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window. Another reason that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will degrade the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry brush. This is the most efficient and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. This also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's less expensive than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. If you are willing to put in a few hours of work, then this is a simple DIY project that will greatly extend the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.