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 been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most times cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. window doctor Repair My Windows And Doors can be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unsightly but can also trigger a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood using a saw or chisel. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a common problem that could have different reasons. It could be due to the accumulation 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 impacted 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 may be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or best alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft the more obscure issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and will need to be repaired. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.