Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, including the severity of the crack and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also cause various issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the required tools and components to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial 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 to seep into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's best to consult with an expert, because the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the main reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are not working. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach 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 wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap 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 may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
A window that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into walls. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by a novice. double glazing doctor could be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.