Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Remove any windowsills that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and inform members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause problems for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
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, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as rotted frames can be severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just ugly, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact the value of your home and its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion, you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it worsens.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is lost too. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling particularly on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is when you see moisture in the glass of your windows. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident due to excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, cracked, rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. the window doctor is not necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will require painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. No matter the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.