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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more economical.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are simple solutions.
However, if the frame of the window is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Glass that is cracked or broken
A storm that is severe, a pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can stop these cracks from becoming worse and reduce the expense of replacing 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 need to use an utility knife to cut off any stubborn glass shards that are stuck in the frame.
After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back into place from leaking and causing more damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.
After your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for window glass. Place the glass back into your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this step because it could cause the crack to deepen.
Finally, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely conceal the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside.
Epoxy is a different option. It is more laborious, but it provides the best seal and will make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. You'll also need to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand once more. If you're not sure with these DIY techniques or if your damaged glass is very large or two-paned, it is recommended to consult a professional.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that won't remain up is more than simply a nuisance. It can also be a risk. Single- and double-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that assist in stopping the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However the mechanism may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. You'll need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they have become dislodged.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in timber frames of sash windows. In time, this may weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame.
Another reason that can cause windows that don't open is a sash cord snapped. Try reattaching the cord by pulling it back (pliers could be beneficial) and then sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is completely broken, you will have to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be able to break the bond by using an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work, you will need to take off the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are constructed of either metal or plastic. These shoes have a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to rotate the slot until it is facing sideways (Photo 2). Then you can slide the sash upwards and down and check whether the window is functioning normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of the space it has infested. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mucus. To prevent rot it is important to ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Even if you are vigilant any missed painting session or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak could expose window frames as well as porch columns and other parts of the home to decaying organisms.
The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar but the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap needs to be filled and caulked. There are a variety of wood fillers that are available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you wish to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be preserved.
If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY it is recommended to call in an expert.
While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and less expensive) to prevent it 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 humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath the window. Sometimes, it is obvious but most of the time it's hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mould and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. You can find small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking.
Fogged windows are another common sign of a leaking seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder weather, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sun. A simple car wash can keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.
Other causes of window seal failure include cleaning the seals with brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a clean toothbrush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the most affordable and efficient way to protect your RV's windows. This will also give you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.
Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a much more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. If you are willing to invest just a few hours, then this is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.