Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority times cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Remove any windowsills that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect your home's value and health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that must 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 shrink as it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you notice evidence of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's best to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost too. This is why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason the windows could let in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is when you see water between the window's glass. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. the window doctor damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad condition and may require to be repaired. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.