Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often a sign of moisture penetration and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Remove any window pieces that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release them.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed as soon as is possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which causes the frame or sash to move.
If you see evidence of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert as the damage may be severe enough that window replacement would be the best or only option. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals will fog.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are failing. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or is completely missing it must be replaced. window doctor isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.