Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to add value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Take out any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more economical to have your window replaced contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial 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 allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another issue that is common is having difficulty opening or closing windows. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If you have any visible indications of damage to your window frame following an event, it's best to seek advice from 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 repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. the window doctor aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, 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. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals aren't working. It could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While the frame's condition can be apparent from heavy rains or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, leading to rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.