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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more economical. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. These are usually easy repairs using the correct tools. If the window's frame is rotting, it's best to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep these cracks from becoming worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass fragments that are stuck to 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 to its original position from leaking and causing more damage. Make sure that the new glass fits well. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down using a circular saw or miter saw. After your surface is cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for windows. Then, you can reinstall the glass into the window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to grow deeper. You can also use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this kind of fix won't completely cover the crack, so it's not a suitable choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make the cracked window nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to scrub your glass and the area around it thoroughly. You'll also need to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you're not confident using these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is large or a two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience and could be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However, one or several of these mechanisms may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. You will need to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. This could cause the frame joint to become loose over time and then become stuck. You might be able to repair this without dismantling the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and then prying them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which lets water soak into the frame. Another reason that can cause windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. Try reattaching the cord using pliers and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows has been sealed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this does not work then you'll need to take out the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop, parting strip or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. They have an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock a fantastic read with a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the image 2. You can then move the sash back and forward to determine if it works properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and turns wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy and spongy mush. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Even if you're diligent the slightest lapse in painting or clogged rain gutter or minor roof leak can expose your window frames, porch columns, and other components of the house to decay organisms. Most wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is usually caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. The latter can occur if damp-proofing course is not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult spots. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole is. If the rot is too extensive for a filler that is simple, then you'll have to replace the damaged area. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here you should contact a professional. Repairing rotting wood can be done, but it is much simpler (and less expensive) to prevent the problem at the beginning. The best preventative measures are sealing the cracks around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips around or beneath a window. This can be easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best method to safeguard windows. Pressing gently against the trim on the seal and visual inspection will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage. The windows that are stained with fog can be a sign of a failing seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can detract from the aesthetics of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, as the seals expand in hot temperatures, and shrinking in colder ones. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sun. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from damaging the seals of your window. Another factor that can lead to seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that will cause the rubber to break down. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks clean with a clean toothbrush. Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the chance to check the condition of your window seals and repair them, which will save you from costly future issues. It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray. However, it's still less expensive than fixing water damage caused by failed sealing. This is a DIY project that will extend the life of your RV windows and help you save money.