Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer depends on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the crack and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear protective gloves 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 tell your family members not to enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you are not sure about tackling the job yourself, or it is more cost-effective to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame you can buy a kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only option. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is also lost. This is why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. glass doctor between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are closed or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the quality of the product. Whatever the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.