Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Take out any windowsills that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and inform members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components and cause issues for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that the window frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also lead to many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect both your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Inability to open or close the window is a common problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If the window doctor displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only or most effective alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to enter the panes. The window's insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The most effective thing to do should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any rotted or split 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 or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly but also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.