Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority times cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. It is important to determine the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door, and inform your family members not to enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame, you can purchase an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only or best option. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you observe that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched 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 pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the main reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal has failed, especially during a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. double glazing doctor is not necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. The casing that is loose is ugly however, it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.