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Watch Out: What Window Repairs Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the right tools, these are simple fixes.

However, if the window's frame is getting rotten, 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 place down too hard can 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 help you save money on replacement glass.

First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may also have to employ a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing.

After removing the glass clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. Also, you should ensure that the glass you've purchased is a perfect 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 has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for windows. Install the glass back inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause cracks to grow deeper.

Then, you can apply products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that can be visible from the outside.

Epoxy is another option. It is more time-consuming, but it provides the best seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you're not confident using these DIY techniques or if your damaged glass is very large or two-paned glass, it's 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- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However, one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. Over time, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window if you use a utility blade to break the frame joints. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to soak into the frame.

A snapped sash cable is another common cause of windows not opening. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers might be helpful) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can cause windows to become bounded and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of double-hung windows is sealed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a knife and then trying to slide it. If this doesn't work, you'll need to remove 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. They have an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing sideways (Photo 2). Then, move the sash up and down again and see whether the window functions normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the part of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a soggy and mush. To prevent rot you must ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose windows and porch columns as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity.

Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing course is not installed or damaged or when internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes 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 but a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the stubbornest areas. After the decayed wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are a variety of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you'd like to accomplish, how deep the hole is, and how much of the original frame can be preserved.

If the rot has spread out too far for a filler to work, you'll have to replace the damaged part. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task correctly. If you aren't sure about your DIY abilities, it is best to consult an expert.

Repairing wood that is rotting can be done however it is more efficient (and cheaper) to avoid the issue at the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing 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. Also, upvc repairs should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check.

Dirty Seals

One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under the window. It's easy to see, but it's often hidden behind walls. This can cause soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best method to safeguard windows. Gently pressing against the seal trim and visually inspecting will help you spot soft spots before they cause water damage.

Windows that have a haze of fog are an indication of a weak seal. They may not be structurally harmful or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.

The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and storing it in a covers whenever you can. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from damaging your window rubber seals.

Another cause that can cause seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals weak and susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a clean toothbrush.

Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest way to protect the windows of your RV. This also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.


It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray. However, it's less expensive than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a DIY project that will extend the life of your RV windows and help you save money.

Homepage: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wembley-windowrepair/