Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors 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 increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the break 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 identify the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed any glass shards Clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also trigger many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect both your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can buy an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the tools and parts needed 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 particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get 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 having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. 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 shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only or best alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If your window seal is beginning 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.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value is also lost. This is the reason windows with 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. It might seem like a simple task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing mould, rot and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can 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 fix particularly when the water seeps into a wall. window doctor near me is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and should be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly however, it allows air and moisture to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.