Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the crack and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than replace it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act quickly so that it doesn't become 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.
Take out any window pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you require to repair 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 can be damaging to your house's structure, 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 problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged window doctor Repair My Windows And Doors provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have 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 an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is why windows with broken seals can become foggy.
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, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may let in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be evident from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, leading to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly if the water leaks into walls. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix 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 will have to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and may require to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood, and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.