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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the window is rotting it is recommended to replace the entire unit. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors or cracked glass A severe storm or the sand from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can stop these cracks from becoming worse and save you the expense of replacing glass. First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any stubborn glass shards that have gotten stuck in the frame. After taking the window off, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to stick the glass back in place from leaking and causing more damage. It is also important to ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface is clean, find a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this procedure; it can cause the crack to grow. You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and seal it. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. This kind of fix will not completely hide the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside. Epoxy is another alternative. It's more time-consuming, but it offers the highest seal and will make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes which could cause cracks to expand. If you're not sure of these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it's recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't slide open A window that does not stay up can be more than just an inconvenience; it could also be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless the mechanism may be damaged or removed. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have been dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows that are made of timber. As time passes, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and prying them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak the frame. A sash cable that has snapped is another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening. Try reattaching the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll require replacement. Paint can cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be able to break the bond with an utility knife and then slide it. If this fails, you will need to take off the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from metal or plastic. They come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the photo 2. Then, slide the sash upwards and down again and see whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only ugly, it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the space it has invaded. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy and mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is maintained and areas that have exposure to elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting or clogged gutter or minor roof leak can expose your windows as well as porch columns and other components of the house to decay organisms. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur when a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step in repairing rot is removing the old material. It's generally easy to do with a pry-bar but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the most difficult places. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are many types 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 has spread too far for a filler to perform, you will have to replace the damaged component. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional, or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to get the job done properly. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities It is recommended to call a professional. While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility, it's far easier (and less expensive) to prevent it in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under the window. Sometimes, this is obvious but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. The best method to guard your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually examining it will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage. The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder weather, they shrink. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from direct sunlight. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from damaging the seals of your window. Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is cleaning the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents which break down the rubber. This can make the seals 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 using a dry brush. This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs. Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, however it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage that is caused by seals that fail. This is a straightforward DIY project that can extend the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.