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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, there are instances when replacing old windows are 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 beginning to decay it's recommended to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting more severe by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully pry away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may also have to use a utility knife in order to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to stick the glass back to its original position from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure that the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to reduce it. Once your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically made for windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, reinstall the glass into the window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this step because it could cause the crack to get deeper. In RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , 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 conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is a little more time-consuming to apply but offers the most durable seal and can make your cracked window glass almost invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area before applying epoxy. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather conditions that can cause cracks to expand. If you're not happy with these DIY repair methods, or your cracked glass is particularly large or has double-paned It's recommended to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes that won't open A window that will not stay up for long can be more than a nuisance; it could also be dangerous. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to help keep the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place. Moisture in the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction. This could cause the frame joint to become loose over time and stick. It is possible to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the joints of the frame and prying them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to soak the frame. A sash cable that is snapped is another reason that can cause a window not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers may be beneficial) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is damaged, you'll have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond with an utility knife and then slide it. If this does not 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 constructed of either metal or plastic. They have a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. Then, slide the sash back and forth to see whether it is working correctly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and transforms wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet mush. The best way to stop rot is to make sure your home is properly maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are protected. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak can expose your windows as well as porch columns and other areas of the house to decay organisms. The majority of wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, although the combination of hammer and chisel might be needed for the most stubborn spots. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers to choose from and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you wish to do, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame can be saved. If the rot has spread too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged component. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to complete the task right. If you're not sure of your skills at DIY it is recommended to contact a professional. While repairing wood that has rotted is always a possibility however, it's much more effective (and more affordable) to prevent it in the beginning. Preventative measures can 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 humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier in order to keep the humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals Water that drips around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indicator that seals on windows are shrinking. Sometimes, it is easy to spot, but often it is hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can result in soft wood, mold, and even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to protect windows. Pressing gently against the seal trim and visual inspection can help you find soft spots before they cause water damage. Windows that are stained with fog are another indication of a leaky seal. They may not be structurally damaging, or making your electricity bill increase, but they affect the appearance of your RV. The failure of window seals is largely caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and shrinking in colder ones. This issue can be cured by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sun. Also, a simple car wash will help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows. Another reason that can lead to sealing failure is rubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean using a dry brush. Doing these maintenance routines is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your RV's windows. It also gives you the chance to assess the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will help prevent costly problems in the future. It is more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's still cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your RV windows and save money.