Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying 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 in place.
Once 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 handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of an online kit 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 should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This could be caused by several different factors. 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 may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only alternative. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing 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, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the main reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
double glazing doctor near me of water between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. This moisture can be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
Often problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. It's not just unappealing but also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.