11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Make With Your Window Repairs
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more economical.
Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the appropriate tools, these are easy solutions.
However, if the frame of the window is rotting, it's best to replace the entire window.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can prevent these cracks from becoming worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.
First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that are stuck in the frame.
After removing the window clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from leaking out and causing more damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing 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, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for window glass and follow the directions on how to apply it. Then, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this process because it could cause the crack to grow.
Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this type of repair will not fully cover the crack, so it's not a suitable solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
upvc repair is epoxy which is a bit more laborious to apply, but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. You'll also need to be prepared to deal with any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to widen again. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if the glass you have cracked is particularly large or a double-paned glass, it's best to call in the professionals to have a professional repair.
Sashes that won't open
A window that isn't able to stay up is more than just a nuisance; it could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However, one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.
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 sag. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and then prying them open. If your wood appears to be swelling, it's typically due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak into the frame.
A sash cable that has snapped is another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is damaged, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is painted shut, you may 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 between the sash, stop, parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).
The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are typically constructed of either metal or plastic. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need an screwdriver to turn the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then, slide the sash back and forward to check whether it is working correctly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the portion of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy mucus. To prevent rot it is important to ensure that your home is well maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak can expose your windows or porch columns and other parts of the house to decay organisms.
Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can happen when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.
The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. This is typically done using a prybar, but a combination of hammer and chisel may be necessary for the most difficult spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the hole needs to be caulked and filled. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on how much 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 need to replace the damaged area. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you're unsure of your DIY ability here, then it's best to call in an expert.
Repairing rotting wood can be done, but it is much easier (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first place. 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 onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about using a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath a window. It's easy to spot, but it's often hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can find soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking.
Fogged windows are a common sign of a leaking seal. They might not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to skyrocket, but they do affect the appearance of your RV.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures they contract. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash can help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Other causes of window seal failure include scratching the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that degrade the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry brush.
This is the simplest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs.
It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you're willing to invest just a few hours it is a simple DIY project that can extend the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.