Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can fix a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
Once you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. 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 ugly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should 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 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 or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing windows. This is caused by a variety of factors. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more 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 notice evidence of damage to your window frame following an event, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing 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 prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
The signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. the window doctor is due to the warm air inside your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly when the water seeps into a wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad condition and will need to be rebuilt. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which requires painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. No matter the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.