It's The Window Repairs Case Study You'll Never Forget
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 windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. These are typically easy repairs with the right tools.
If the frame of the unit is decayed it is better to replace the entire unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A storm that is severe or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you put down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop these cracks from becoming worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.
First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. You may also have to use a utility knife in order to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the new glass from leaking out and causing more 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 prior piece, you will need to use a circular or mitersaw to cut it down.
After your surface has been cleaned, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for windows. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this step as it could cause the crack to grow.
You can also make use of a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix won't completely cover the crack. It's not suitable for windows that can be visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different option. It's more time-consuming, however it provides the best seal and makes the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. It is also important be prepared for any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is particularly large or double-paned is best to call in the professionals to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that doesn't stay up isn't just a nuisance. It can also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.
Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This can cause the frame joints to become loose as time passes and become stuck. You might be able to fix this without removing the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears swollen, this is often due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame.
A sash cable that has snapped is another reason for a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling it back (pliers might be helpful) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll need to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on double-hung windows is closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to move it. If this fails, you'll need to remove the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are usually made of metal or plastic. They have a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the photo 2. You can then slide the sash back and forward to check whether it functions properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to feed on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy and mush. To avoid rot, you should ensure that your home is properly maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. Even when you're diligent just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose windows, porch columns and other components of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its stability.
Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the stubbornest places. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap needs to be caulked and filled. There are many wood fillers to choose from, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be preserved.
If the rot is too deep for a filler that is simple, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can either hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires a good carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to seek out a professional.
Repairing wood that is rotting is possible, but it is much easier (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first instance. window repairs include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control.
Dirty Seals
One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under a window. Sometimes this is obvious, but often it is hidden within 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 perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually examining it will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage.
Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a leaking seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can take away from the appearance of your RV.
The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and 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 that are on your windows.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure are cleaning the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition by using a dry toothbrush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest method to safeguard your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to assess the condition of your window seals and repair them, which will save you from costly future issues.
Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by failed seals. If you are willing to put in a few hours of work it is an easy DIY project that can extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.