Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
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 remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible way. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own, or it is more economical to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect both your home's value and health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that includes all the equipment and parts you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it harder 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 your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. window doctor could be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or best option. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any 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 also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets any 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 the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the reason why windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation Your windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or faux. If they're damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be evident due to excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build too. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.