Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is particularly important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Remove any window pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further issues for the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If the window doctor are not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unsightly but can also cause a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that could impact your home's value as well as its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you require to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different causes. The issue could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult 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 you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea seek advice from an expert because the damage could be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The best thing to do if you suspect that 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 cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and will need to be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive however, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.