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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective. Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in window glass. These are usually simple fixable with the right tools. If the frame of the unit is damaged it is better to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A storm that is severe, the pebble from your lawnmowers, or the vase you place down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. It is also possible to use a utility knife in order to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you will need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to reduce it. After your surface is clean, search for the glass adhesive made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this step; it can cause the crack to deepen. You can also make use of products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all types of glass including tinted ones. This kind of fix will not completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that can be visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more time-consuming to apply, but provides the most significant seal and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. It is also important be prepared for any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if the glass you have cracked is especially large or a double-paned glass, it's best to contact a professional for a repair that is done by a professional. Sashes that won't slide open A window that isn't able to remain up is more than just a nuisance. It could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place. The moisture inside the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joint to become looser as time passes and become stuck. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and prying them open. If your wood appears to be swelling, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to get into the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be beneficial) and sliding the sash back into its normal position. If upvc window repairs snapped completely, you'll require replacement. Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to move it. If this fails then you'll have to remove 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 used in single-hung windows are usually constructed of either metal or plastic. These shoes feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the photo 2. Then, slide the sash back and forward to check whether it functions properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy and mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are properly protected. Even if you are vigilant the slightest lapse in painting or clogged gutter or a minor roof leak could expose window frames as well as porch columns and other areas of the home to decaying organisms. The majority of 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 course is not installed or damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy to do with a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the stubbornest spots. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to complete the task properly. If you're not sure of your DIY ability here you should contact a professional. While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and less expensive) to prevent it in the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing a drip edge on the roof to stop water from splashing up onto the trim on the exterior. You should also check for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indication that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mould, or even structural damage to your RV. The best method to guard your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can find soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while inspecting. Fogged windows can also be a sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally harmful or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures they contract. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. Also, a simple car wash can to keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. Another factor that can cause seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will cause the rubber to break down. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a dry toothbrush. This is the simplest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. This also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a more costly repair than simply resealing your sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by seals that fail. If you're willing to commit just a few hours it is a DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.