Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without having to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with little expense.
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 damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The key is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can also help you determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through lots of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could impact your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Another common problem that should be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If the glass doctor notice indications of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's best to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. 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 your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see moisture in the windows' glass. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into walls. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.