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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 old windows can be more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. These are usually easy fixes with the right tools. However, if the frame of the window is getting rotten, it's best to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A storm that is severe or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you put down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the expense of replacing glass. The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to cut off any glass fragments that have gotten stuck in the frame. After removing the glass, clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. Also, you should make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the prior piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it. After your surface is cleaned, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for windows. Install the glass back into the window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this procedure; it can cause the crack to get deeper. In the end, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this type of repair will not fully cover the crack, so it's not a good option for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different alternative. It's more laborious, but it offers the highest seal and makes your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that could cause cracks to expand. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods, or your cracked glass is particularly large or has double-paned, it's best to call in the professionals for a professional repair. Sashes That Willn't Open A window that will not remain up is more than a nuisance; it could also be a risk. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving. However the mechanism can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. You'll need to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture in the sash window frames can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. This can cause the frame joints to become looser as time passes and become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window if you use a utility blade to pry the frame joints. If your wood appears to be swollen, it is usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to get into the frame. Another reason that is commonly cited for windows that don't open is a sash cord snapped. You can try to reattach the cord with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll have to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this fails, you'll need to remove 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 made of metal or plastic. They have an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then you can slide the sash upwards and down and check whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy mucus. The best way to avoid rot is to make sure your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are adequately protected. However, even the best of intentions just one missed painting cycle or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames or porch columns, as well as other components of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its structural integrity. The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if a damp-proof course is not installed or is damaged or when internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough with a pry bar, however using a combination of hammer as well as chisel is sometimes needed for the most difficult areas. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap needs to be caulked and filled. There are many types of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole. If the rot has spread too far for a filler to work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills, it is best to call a professional. While repairing wood that has rotted is a possibility but it's much easier (and more affordable) to stop it from happening in the beginning. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around windows is the most obvious indicator that window seals are shrinking. It's easy to see, but it's often hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mould and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular cleaning and inspection checks. By gently pressing against broken window repairs 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 weak seal. They may not be structurally harmful or making your electricity bill rise, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The failure of window seals is largely caused by weather damage with seals expanding in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder ones. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a covers whenever you can. Also, a simple car wash can to keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows. Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is scratching the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that degrade the rubber. This can cause the seals to become brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush. This is the most efficient and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, but it's less expensive than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of the windows in your RV and save you money.