Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can fix a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Use 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 way. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for the 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 more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After removing the damaged frame you can buy an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is 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 may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you observe that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. Similarly, if window doctor near me notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent 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 can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, causing mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a novice. The wall around it could be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.