Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is especially crucial in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can repair damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This is caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. window doctors could be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only alternative. You might 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 final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. 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 any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing 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 using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you notice moisture in the glass of your windows. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outside. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into walls. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad condition and should be rebuilt. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.