15 Terms Everybody Working In The Window Repairs Industry Should Know
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money
Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.
Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. These are usually easy repairs using the correct tools.
However, if the window's frame is getting rotten it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Glass that is cracked or broken
A severe storm, the pebble from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep these cracks from becoming worse and save you the cost of replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use a utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that have gotten stuck in the frame.
After removing the glass, clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to stick the glass back into place from leaking and causing more damage. It is also important to ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the prior piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to cut it down.
After your surface has been cleaned, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for window glass. After that, reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could cause the cracks to get deeper.
Then, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can apply a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's designed to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. This type of fix can't completely cover the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are 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 your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared to deal with any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to grow once more. If you are not confident using these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that won't stay up isn't just a nuisance; it can also be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However one or more of these mechanisms could become disconnected or damaged. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to stay in place.
The moisture inside the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. This can cause the frame joints to become loose as time passes and become stuck. You may be able 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 caused by missing flashing on the exterior of your house which lets water soak into the frame.
A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of windows not opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be beneficial) and then slid the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll have to replace it.
Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel of a double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond with an utility knife and then slide it. If this fails then you'll need to remove the sash and then cut the gap 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 typically made of metal or plastic. These shoes have an U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need an screwdriver to turn the slot until it faces the other way (Photo 2). You can then move the sash back forward to determine if it works correctly.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it feasts on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy mush. The best way to prevent decay is to ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that have exposure to the elements are adequately protected. Even if you're vigilant just one missed painting session, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other components of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and weaken its structural integrity.
Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures.
The first step to repairing the rot is to take off the old material. It is usually easy using a prybar, although using a combination of hammer as well as chisel may be necessary for the most difficult spots. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you want to complete, the depth of the hole is and how much of the original frame can be preserved.
If the rot is too extensive for a filler that is simple, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities, it is best to consult a professional.
While repairing rotting wood is always a possibility but it's much easier (and cheaper) to stop it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splashing onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check.
Dirty Seals
The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath a window. Sometimes, it is easy to detect however, it is often hidden behind a wall, and more difficult to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. By gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually examining it can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage.
Windows that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to rise, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV.
The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. This issue can be cured by storing your camper in a cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Another reason that can lead to seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean toothbrush.
This is the easiest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can save you from costly future issues.
Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by faulty seals. If you're willing to invest some time and time, then this is a simple DIY project that will prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.