Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance 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 can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. It is important to determine what caused the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Remove any windowsills that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more economical to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood by using a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit sold online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only or best alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning 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 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. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual It could be due to the fact that your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see moisture between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing 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, can be fake or real. If door and window doctor damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through a wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be completed by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and may require to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.