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20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Window Repairs
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

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

Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in window glass. With the right tools, these are easy solutions.

If the frame of the window is beginning to decay it is recommended to replace the entire window.

Broken or cracked glass

A storm that is severe or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard could break the glass in your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can keep these cracks from getting worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.

First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to cut off any stubborn glass shards that are stuck to the frame.

After taking the window off, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue that is used to glue the glass to the surface from leaking out and causing more damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the previous piece, you'll need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.

Once your surface is clean, search for a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing 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 designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted versions. Be aware that this type of fix won't completely cover the crack, so it's not a good option for windows that are easily visible from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more laborious to apply, but provides the most significant seal, and can make the cracked window virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. You'll also need to be prepared to deal with any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to expand and then widen again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is particularly large or a double-paned window is best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair.

Sashes that won't slide open

A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than a nuisance and could be dangerous. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms could become disconnected or damaged. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. You will need to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they have been dislodged.

The moisture inside the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to loosen as time passes and become stuck. It is possible to fix this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility knife to break the frame joints. If your wood appears to be swelling, it is usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to enter the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on a double-hung window is painted shut it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to slide it. If this fails then you'll need to take off the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip of separation or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

The sash shoes in single-hung windows are usually made of metal or plastic. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then, you can move the sash up and down, and then check if the window works normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to feed on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mush. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are protected. Even when you're diligent just one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor roof leak to expose windows or porch columns, as well as other components of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its stability.

Most wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.


The first step to repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do using a pry bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult areas. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the gap must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most effective one will depend on how much work you'd like 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 done either by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to complete the task properly. If you aren't sure about your DIY abilities it is recommended to seek out a professional.

While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and less expensive) to prevent it in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing up onto the trim on the exterior. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious indicator that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden in a wall and harder to find. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can cause soft wood, mold, and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visually inspecting can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage.

Fogged windows are another common sign of a failing seal. They may not be structurally harmful or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they hinder the aesthetics of your RV.

The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can aid in preventing salt from causing damage to the seals of your window.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure are scratching the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry, soft brush.

This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.

It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's less expensive than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you are willing to commit just a few hours and time, then this is a simple DIY project that will greatly prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long term.

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