Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with little expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Remove any windowsills that remain in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.
After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
window doctors around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can purchase a kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that comes with all the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by several different factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only or best alternative. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulating value is also lost. This is why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
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 will usually fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to rot, mould and even insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.