Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. window doctors and door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect your home's value and health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can buy the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common problem that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you notice signs of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea to seek advice from an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture that could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets 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 that is sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. The window's insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the reason why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason the windows could let in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into walls. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or is completely missing it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be completed by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and should be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. No matter the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.