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 been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself, or it is more economical to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This could be caused by several different factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If you have any visible indications of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's best to consult an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is 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 together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals will fog.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see moisture between the windows' glass. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed 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 could be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. you can try here is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build as well. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.