Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with little expense.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Take out any window pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you are not sure about tackling the job yourself, or it is more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. 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 as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also trigger various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect both the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust that causes the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or best option. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also help to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The temperature cycling in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is lost too. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to become smudged.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing especially on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may let in too much cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice water between the window's glass. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing mold, rot, and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly, it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. window doctors used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.