Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. 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 tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. window doctors could be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you see signs of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, since the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best or only option. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture that could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills 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 together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is why windows with damaged seals will become brittle.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner 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 during an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. It could be a thin line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
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 will usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, causing mould, rot and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly when the water seeps into a wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice because the wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.