Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged at times. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
the window doctor rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion, you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to replace it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause damage 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 a common issue that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only alternative. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, which can lead to rot, mould and insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially when the water seeps into walls. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing 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 an undertaking that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Regardless of the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.