Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. 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 move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should 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, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your household members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust 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 it is more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
the window doctor rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also trigger various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect your home's value and health. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by several different factors. It could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an event, it's an excellent idea 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. You could be able make a claim through 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 can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals aren't working. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
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 damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or completely missing it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will require painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.