Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on many aspects, such as the severity of the crack and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get any worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glaze 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 properly. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, look into replacing the window with temperate glass. 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 are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only unsightly but can also lead to a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which causes the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only or most effective alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the life of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. If window doctors damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option 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. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The wall surrounding it may be in bad condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly but also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.