Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task on your own, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also cause many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use an online kit or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you need to repair it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When 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.
Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason why a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A feeling of draftiness is a sign that the window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. window doctors damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and should be repaired. It's not just unappealing but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will require painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.