Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts which can cause further issues for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more economical to have your window replaced, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. These can affect the health of your home as well as its value. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can buy the kit at an hardware store or online that comes with all the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. window doctor near me Repair My Windows And Doors is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's best to consult an expert because the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will become brittle.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see moisture between the windows' glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause rot and mould. A broken sash cord can cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is loose or damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.