Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to determine what caused the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and tell your family members to not go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems, including fungus and mold. These can affect the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you need to repair it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When windowdoctor , it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's best to seek advice from an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade over time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost too. This is why windows with broken seals will fog.
The best thing to do when you suspect the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are breaking down is if you can see moisture in the glass of your windows. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture 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 strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. Whatever the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.