- David Bowden's money-saving technique for restoring acrylic windows to as-new condition. Most yachts have acrylic windows and hatches and over time they will drive you crazy. Although acrylic is a marvelous material, it develops minute cracks and lines which eventually grow until the whole window becomes opaque.
- Araldite will only bond to the surface, Acrylic glue actually melts the plastic briefly and the whole lot fuses together. It is very fluid and will wick into a crack via capillary action. I have use it many times on Acrylic fabrications and it does form a very strong weld in seconds.
What happens if you have an accident with your caravan and damage its windows, especially if your model is a few years old or the manufacturer is no longer in business?
Super Glue has an industrial name known as Cyanoacrylate glue, and it is an acrylic resin that will form its strong bond in a few seconds. The term cyanoacrylate means quick-bonding adhesive. Over the years, super glue has been used to bond metal, plastic, wood, glass, and even human skin.
It’s hard enough to get spares for newer caravans, let alone those of more than five or six years old. Sourcing caravan spares can be rather difficult.
Older caravans have even been written off by insurance companies due to such damage.
While there’s a number of caravan breakers about, even if you can find the correct replacement window you can’t guarantee what condition it will arrive in, or how long it will last before it begins to delaminate (which can be a potential problem with any window, not simply one sourced via a breaker).
Where to go for replacements
This issue faced my parents several years ago. Unfortunately, the front centre window on their ageing Abbey caravan needed to be replaced.
We found one that was of the correct size and shape but, alas, the wrong colour.
So for the past few years it has looked odd, because finding a correct unit was nigh-on impossible.
With a view to getting the caravan back to something like its former glory, I contacted EECO, a company that specialises in manufacturing replacement caravan and motorhome windows.
Repair Crack In Caravan Window Acrylic Adhesive Capsulitis
I was invited to the factory in the West Yorkshire town of Halifax where I was given a tour by the MD, Simon Conway.
About EECO
Founded in 1932 by Simon’s grandfather, EECO started out as a garage, where they also manufactured tow bars.
How To Fix A Crack In Glass Windows, Picture Frames, And More ...
The company name was derived from the Cornette Exhaust Ejector device that was fitted to the tailpipes of car exhaust systems in an effort to improve fuel economy.
This led to the company diversifying into car accessories and developing their expertise with acrylic, producing items such as the Windmaster side-window weather shield.
In the late 1970s, when acrylic windows became the norm for caravans, nearby dealer Goodalls approached EECO to see if it could manufacture a replacement window for one of its tourers.
Simon told me that it took a few attempts before they were happy, but that the firm hasn’t looked back since.
Finding a suitable match
The number of moulds that EECO keeps in stock for reproducing caravan windows is bewildering. It also holds a vast selection of acrylic sheeting, with many variances in colouring.
The reason for this is that window tinting fades over time. While EECO can’t guarantee a perfect match to the original, the end result should be very close indeed.
Manufacturing the new windows is a very labour-intensive process, because each unit is handmade, using handmade patterns.
I witnessed first-hand the high quality of the products. An original broken window from an LMC tourer was compared with the replacement item – the finish was just as good, if not better.
As well as making replacement windows, EECO relaminates double-glazed units at a very reasonable cost.
I’m hoping to have a replacement window made for my parents’ Abbey in the near future, along with having one of the other units relaminated.
Watch this space!
Did you know that a broken window is not just an eyesore, but it can actually be costing you money as it’s letting valuable energy leak out of your home? That’s why it is important to address the issue at hand before it becomes any worse. The first step is to identify what kind of crack you are dealing with. Knowing what kind of window crack you are dealing with can help you determine if you simply repair the glass or if an entirely new replacement window is required.
Types of Cracked Windows
Stress Cracks
In most cases, a stress crack will start small, typically near the edge of the window. Over time, it will continue to expand and spread across the glass, resulting in a bigger issue than you may have anticipated. Stress cracks are most often caused by intense fluctuations in temperature, specifically major variances between the two. For example, this means when it is extremely cold outside so you drastically increase the heat inside your home in order to stay warm.
It is also possible for stress cracks to appear due to more physical distresses, such as slamming a window shut. Always treat your home’s windows with care in order to avoid a self-induced stress crack which will likely require costly repairs.
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Pressure Cracks
A pressure crack is probably the least common kind of break in a window. It most commonly occurs in double-paned windows, or insulated glass. They may seem to happen out of nowhere but in reality, they are caused by dramatic shifts in pressure due to extreme weather. It can also happen if windows are installed at a too low or too high level of elevation. The windows cannot withstand the pressure of these scenarios and will crack as a result.
You can tell that a pressure crack has occurred due to the shape of the break in the glass. In most cases, the crack will follow a curve in the shape of an hourglass. If you experience a pressure crack, you will most likely have to do a complete window replacement.
Impact Cracks
An impact crack is probably what first comes to mind when you think of broken windows. As you might have guessed from its name, an impact break is caused by the force of an object hitting your home’s window. Think the kids next door playing baseball or a golf swing that’s gone wrong. You can usually tell when this kind of crack has occurred because of the identifiable starburst pattern that spreads outwards from the point of collision.
For your own safety, if you experience an impact break in one of your home’s windows, take caution when cleaning up. While you should remove any shards of glass that are inside your home, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to remove the broken window yourself. Due to the nature of the crack, you may end up severely hurting yourself. That is why it is best to leave it to a professional to install a replacement window.
How to Temporarily Fix a Cracked Window
Repairing broken glass in a window is usually only a temporary fix. There are some simple, quick fixes you can try, but the only truly safe and permanent way to fix cracked glass is to install a replacement window. If a temporary solution is exactly what you’re looking for while on the hunt for the perfect new windows for your home, you can try one of these following fixes:
1. Masking Tape
Try applying masking tape to either side of the crack on the glass. This will keep the glass intact and prevent it from breaking further, while simultaneously keeping water from leaking through. Make sure to extend the tape past the crack on both sides, pressing it firmly into the glass for the best results.
2. Glass Adhesives
Glass adhesives that are typically advertised for use on car windshields are also an option. Thoroughly clean the break, flushing out any potential debris with an eyedropper before applying tape to the back of the crack. This will keep the adhesive from leaking out the opposite side of the window. Using a syringe or brush, apply the adhesive to the crack and allow it to dry completely before you remove the tape.
3. Thick Plastic Cover
If you’re looking for a temporary solution that will be sure to keep out any drafts and bugs, applying a thick plastic covering on top of the window crack will surely do the trick. Cut a piece of plastic that’s large enough to cover the surface area of broken glass from a shower curtain, tarp, shopping bag, or another household item made from a plastic sheet. Use duct tape to adhere to the edges of the plastic of the glass.
Cracked Front Window. - Caravan Repairs And Restoration ...
How to Permanently Repair Cracked Glass Window
Solvent-based adhesives like epoxy can be used as a sealant for broken glass windows. It’s an excellent way to keep the glass intact and prevent further damage for a significant time while you’re waiting for replacement.
Cached
Check out this step-by-step guide on how to fix cracked windows using epoxy.
What You’ll Need:
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloth or cotton rags
- Epoxy
- Putty knife
- Paper plate
- Acetone
Instructions:
- Clean the glass portion of the window using the liquid dishwashing soap and a damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust, fingerprints, and oil residue. Leave it for a few minutes to allow it to completely dry.
- Create a mixture of two-part epoxy by combining the hardener and the resin. Use a toothpick to stir and blend the solution on a disposable cardboard or paper plate
- Apply the epoxy mixture on the broken glass using a putty knife, pressing gently to fill up the cracks. Leave it for at least five minutes to dry.
- Get rid of any excess epoxy that’s protruding on the surface using a sharp blade or a few drops of acetone on cotton or dry cloth.
- Polish your glass window using a glass cleaner and a clean rag.
Replacement Windows Toronto
In instances of cracked glass, it is almost always recommended that you have a replacement window professionally installed. Replacing a window yourself might be tempting, but it can be extremely difficult, especially if you are dealing with a delicate insulation seal. Hiring a window installation company will save you time and money should your DIY attempt go wrong.
While replacement windows might seem like the pricier solution rather than simply repairing a crack, that is not always the case! Leaving a problem like a broken window unresolved, or only temporarily fixed, can actually result in you paying more each month for your energy bills. When a window’s glass cracks, the seal that contains the argon gas that insulates your windows leaks out, rendering your window ineffective and non-energy efficient. The one-time payment for new windows can cost you a lot less than years and years of increased energy bill payments.
Even if you think the small crack in your window isn’t that bad, it will only get worse with time. That’s what you shouldn’t wait any longer to contact Burano Doors! One of our expert window technicians will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.