Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs 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.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to 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.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Remove any windowsills that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect both your home's value and health. To fix window doctor near me remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This could be caused by several different factors. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only or most effective option. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
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. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
The best option to take should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a simple task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see water between the window's glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, leading to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be costly to fix particularly when the water seeps into walls. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.