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The Window Repairs Awards: The Best, Worst And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective.

Projectiles and baseballs that are thrown often cause cracks or holes in window glass. With the right tools, these are simple fixes.

However, if the window's frame is getting rotten it's recommended to replace the entire window.

Glass that is cracked or broken

A severe storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard could break the glass in your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe 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 is holding the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to cut off any glass fragments that are stuck to the frame.

After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back into place from leaking and causing more damage. You'll also want to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new piece is larger than the previous one, you'll need cut it down using circular saws or a miter saw.

After your surface is cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive designed specifically for window glass. Place the glass back into the window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this process; it can cause the crack to deepen.

In the end, you can use 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 conceal 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 will provide the strongest seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to wash your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that could cause cracks to grow. If you're not confident with these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it is recommended to consult a professional.

Sashes That Willn't Open

A window that won't stay up is more than simply a nuisance. It could be a danger. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture in the windows sash can trigger cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to loosen over time and then become stuck. You may be able to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which lets water soak into the frame.

Another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening is a snapped sash cord. Try reattaching the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll require replacement.

Paint can also cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on double-hung windows is closed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this fails, 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).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place within the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways by following the image 2. Then, you can slide the sash upwards and down and check if the window works normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly; it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity in the area of the home it has invaded. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is well maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are adequately protected. Even if you're diligent the slightest lapse in painting or clogged gutter or a minor roof leak can expose your window frames or porch columns and other parts of the home to decaying organisms.

The majority of wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. This can happen if damp proofing isn't installed or damaged or if internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It is usually easy with a pry bar, although using a combination of hammer as well as chisel might be needed for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces wood are removed, the hole has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and how deep the hole is.

If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you'll have to replace the damaged component. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project, however, and requires expert carpentry skills to get the job done right. If you're unsure of your DIY ability here you should contact an expert.

Repairing rotting wood is possible however it is more efficient (and cheaper) to prevent the problem in the first place. Preventative measures can include sealing cracks around the windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips from or under a window. It's easy to spot, but it's often hidden behind the wall. This can cause soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you identify soft spots before they can cause water damage.

The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a weak seal. They might not be structurally harmful or cause your electric bills to rise, but they affect the appearance of your RV.

Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with seals expanding in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. This can be mitigated by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from the direct sunlight. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is cleaning the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals which break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more 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 brush.

upvc windows is the easiest and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs.


Lubricating your window seals with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a far more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, but it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by faulty seals. This is a straightforward DIY project that will extend the life of the RV windows and save money.