Tips For Explaining Window Repairs To Your Mom
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. These are usually easy fixes using the correct tools.
If the frame of the window is rotting it is recommended to replace the entire window.
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. Fortunately, a little time and effort can stop these cracks from getting worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty that is holding the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife in order to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.
After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the new glass in place from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.
Now that your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass in the window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to get deeper.
Finally, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. Just be aware that this type of repair will not fully conceal the crack, so 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 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 prior to applying the epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes that can cause cracks to widen. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is especially large or a double-paned window It's recommended to call in the professionals for a professional repair.
Sashes that won't let you open
A window that will not remain up is more than a nuisance and could be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However the mechanism may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them for the sash to remain stable.
The moisture in window frames of the sash can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. You might be able to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame.
Another common reason for windows that don't open is a snapped sash cord. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel of double-hung windows is closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to move it. If upvc window repairs fails then you'll 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).
Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from plastic or metal. They have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the photo 2. Then move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it feasts on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy and mush. The best way to avoid decay is to ensure your home is maintained and areas that have exposure to elements are properly protected. However, even the best of intentions just one mishap with the painting process, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and compromise its stability.
Most wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. The latter can occur when a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. This is generally easy enough using a prybar, however using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the gap must be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole.
If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you'll have to replace the damaged part. This can be done by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you are unsure of your DIY skills, it is best to call a professional.
Repairing rotting wood can be done however it is easier (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first place. Preventative measures can include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes this is easy to spot 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. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can identify soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while checking.
Fogged windows can also be an indication of a weak seal. They may not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to increase, but they hinder 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 contract. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals.
Other factors that contribute to window seal failure include scrubbing the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean using a dry brush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the most affordable and efficient method to safeguard the windows of your RV. This also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.
It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's still less expensive than fixing water damage caused by failed sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of the RV windows and help you save money.