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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. However, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. These are usually easy fixable with the right tools. If the window's frame is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm or the sand from your lawnmowers or the vase you put down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. You can prevent these cracks from becoming worse by putting in a little more time and effort. This will reduce the cost of replacing glass. First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife in order to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass, clean the surface and the surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to ensure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect fit. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it. Once your surface is clean, find the glass adhesive made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass inside the window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to become deeper. In the end, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely cover the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is a little more laborious to apply, but provides the most significant seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to grow and then widen again. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is particularly large or has a double-paned glass is best to call in the professionals for a professional repair. Sashes that won't slide open A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience and could be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have 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. In time, this may loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. You can repair this problem without removing the window if you use a utility knife to cut the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears swollen it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to get into the frame. Another reason that can cause a window that won't open is a sash cord snapped. Try reattaching window frame maintenance with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you will need to replace it. Paint can also cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is painted shut, you may be capable of breaking the bond using a utility blade and sliding it. If this fails then you'll need remove the sash, and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. These shoes have a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then, you can move the sash up and down and check whether the window is functioning normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just visually unattractive, but it can be a serious threat to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has invaded. The fungus that causes it is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet mucus. The best way to stop rot is to make sure your home is properly maintained and that areas that have exposure to the elements are properly protected. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames, porch columns and other parts of your house to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and weaken its structural integrity. Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing courses aren't installed or is damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step in repairing rot is removing the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, however the combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. Once the rotten wood is removed, the gap needs to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you wish to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame is left to be saved. If the rot has spread too far for a filler to work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be done either by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY skills, it is best to seek out a professional. Repairing wood that is rotting can be done however it is simpler (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first instance. Prevention measures include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it and installing drip edges on the roof. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals Water that drips around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. It's possible to see, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can cause soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. You can identify small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually checking. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a leaking seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures they contract. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. A simple car wash will help prevent the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window. Another reason that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that cause the rubber to break down. This can cause the seals to become fragile and susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean with a dry brush. Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient method to safeguard your RV's windows. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of the window seals and repair them, which will prevent costly future problems. It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's less expensive than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. If you're willing to put in some time it is a DIY project that will extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long run.