Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, 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 move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In most instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. the window doctors is especially crucial when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible way. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door, and inform your family members not to go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you are not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on window frames can be ugly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or best option. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it worsens.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's insulation value can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with 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 the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be a thin line of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or faux. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be apparent from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or is completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It's not just ugly but also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.