Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can fix a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces together.
Once 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 working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform your family members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further problems for windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could 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 or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only or most effective alternative. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy bills. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. window doctor may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason the windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you notice water between the glass of your windows. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outside. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. It's not just unappealing, but it 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 most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.