Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It's important to determine what caused the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still 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 remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can purchase an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that causes the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are not working. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. window doctor broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into walls. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and may require to be repaired. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.