Why You Should Concentrate On Enhancing Window Repairs
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the right tools, these are simple solutions.
If the window's frame is beginning to decay, it's best to replace the entire window.
Broken or Cracked Glass
A severe storm, a pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard can crack the glass in your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe by putting in a little more time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the broken pane of glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. You may need to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass fragments that have gotten stuck in the frame.
After removing energy efficient windows , clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to stick the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. Also, you should make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need reduce it using a circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass inside the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to become deeper.
You can also apply products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It's specially designed to work with all types of glass, including tinted windows. Be aware that this type of fix won't completely cover the crack, therefore it's not the best choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Epoxy is a different option. It's more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and will make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to grow. If you're not confident with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is especially large or a double-paned glass is best to contact a professional for a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that won't stay up isn't just a nuisance. It could be dangerous. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both has become dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to remain in place.
Moisture in the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joint to become loose over time and then become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it.
Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this does not work, you'll need to remove the window sash, 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 plastic or metal. They feature an U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the photo 2. Then move the sash back forward to determine if it works properly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot is not only unsightly; it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the space it has infested. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy mucus. 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 the best of intentions just one missed painting session, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose windows or porch columns, as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its stability.
Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing courses aren't installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar but a combination of hammer and chisel might be needed for the most stubborn spots. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers to choose from and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame can be saved.
If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you will need to replace the damaged component. You can hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you are unsure of your DIY skills, it is best to consult a professional.
Repairing rotting wood is possible, but it is much simpler (and less expensive) to avoid the issue at the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and 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 humidity levels in check.
Dirty Seals
Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious sign that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes this is obvious, but often it is hidden behind a wall, and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best method to safeguard windows. Pressing gently against the seal trim and visually inspecting can help you find weak spots before they cause water damage.
The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric 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 while in colder temperatures, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it out of direct sun. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from damaging the seals of your window.
Other causes of window seal failure is cleaning the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean using a dry brush.
Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest method of protecting your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to examine the condition of your window seals and repair them, which will save you from costly future issues.
Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. This is a simple DIY project that will extend the life of the RV windows and save money.