Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or if it's more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need 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 crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be due to a buildup 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 impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only option. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing air and humidity to enter the panes. If window doctor near me is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals will fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While the frame's condition can be evident from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, which can lead to rot, mould and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are closed or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or missing entirely it must be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. It's not just unappealing but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.