20 Irrefutable Myths About Window Repairs: Busted

Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the proper tools, these are simple solutions.

If the frame of the unit is decayed it is better to replace the entire unit.

upvc window repairs  or Cracked Glass

A storm that is severe or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase that is set too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can stop these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.

The first step in any repair is to take off the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to get rid of any glass fragments that are stuck in the frame.

After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back to its original position from leaking and causing more damage. Make sure that the new glass fits well. If the new piece is larger than the old one, you'll need to cut it down using circular saw or miter saw.

Once your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. After that, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this process as it could cause the crack to deepen.

You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix won't completely conceal the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Epoxy is another option. It's more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and makes your cracked glass almost invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which can cause cracks to widen. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is particularly large or has double-paned is best to contact a professional to have a professional repair.

Sashes that won't let you open

A window that won't stay up is more than just a nuisance; it could be dangerous. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However the mechanism could be damaged or broken. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows made of timber. As time passes, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. You can repair this problem without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to cut the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to enter 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 help) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be able to break the bond by using an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).

The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are usually made from plastic or metal. They have a U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. You can then move the sash back and forth to see whether it functions correctly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just ugly, it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity in the space it has infested. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mush. To avoid rot, you should ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are protected. Unfortunately, even when you're diligent, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other parts of your house to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability.

Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen if a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.

The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. This is generally easy enough using a prybar, although using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the gap must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.

If the rot has spread out too far for a filler to work, you'll need to replace the damaged part. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task right. If you're unsure of your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to seek out a professional.

Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished, but it is much simpler (and less expensive) to prevent the problem in the first instance. Preventative measures include regularly 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 look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips down the sides or under the window. It's possible to spot, however it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can spot soft spots by pressing gently on the seal trim while inspecting.

Fogged windows can also be an indication of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can take away from the aesthetics 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 contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cover when possible. Also, a simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is cleaning the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that degrade the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a dry toothbrush.

Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will prevent costly future problems.

Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more costly repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by faulty seals. If you're willing to commit just a few hours, then this is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the long term.