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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective. Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in window glass. With the proper tools, these are easy fixes. However, if the frame of the window is beginning to decay, it's best to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm or the sand from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and save you the expense of replacing glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any trim, molding or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing. After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to stick the glass back to its original position from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure the glass is properly fitted. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you will need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to trim it. Once your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. Place the glass back into your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to grow deeper. In the end, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass including tinted ones. This kind of fix will not completely cover the crack. It's not suitable for windows that can be seen from the outside. Epoxy is another option. It's more time-consuming, but it offers the highest seal and will make your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. You will also need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that can cause cracks to expand. If you are not confident with these DIY techniques, or if your cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it's best to call the professionals. Sashes That Won't Open A window that doesn't remain up is more than a nuisance and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However there are times when one or more mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to stay in place. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. As time passes, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. It is possible to repair this without taking down the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for windows that don't open is a sash cord snapped. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers might be beneficial) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on a double-hung window is closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with a utility knife and trying to slide it. If this fails, you will need to take off the sash and then cut the gap between the sash and 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 shape slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to turn the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). You can then move the sash back forward to check whether it is working properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it feasts on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy and mush. The best way to prevent rot is to make sure your home is maintained and areas that have exposure to the elements are protected. Even if you're diligent the slightest lapse in painting or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak could expose window frames, porch columns, and other parts of the home to decaying organisms. The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. This can happen when damp-proofing course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step to repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's generally easy to do using a pry bar, but a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the stubbornest spots. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and how deep the hole is. If the rot is too extensive for a filler that is simple, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task correctly. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY, then it's best to contact a professional. Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is simpler (and less expensive) to prevent the problem in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. You should also be looking for signs of excessive humidity around your window and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under a window. This can be easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can cause soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best method to safeguard windows. Pressing gently against the trim on the seal and visually examining it can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows can also be an indication of a failing seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage with the seals swelling in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder ones. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows. Another factor that can lead to seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush. Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. This also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. Having RepairMyWindowsAndDoors lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. If you're willing to invest a few hours of work and time, then this is a DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.