Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock from 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. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and instruct your family members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not sure about tackling the task yourself, or it is more cost-effective to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only option. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
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 maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If window doctors is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is why a window that has broken seals will fog.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper 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. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. It's not just ugly, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.