Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living conditions without the need to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. These are often a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many aspects, such as the severity of the break and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and inform your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and 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.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own, or it is more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or more comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot on window frames can be ugly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the window doctor , it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs 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 inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is lost as well. This is why a window that has broken seals will fog.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation Your windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are not working. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build too. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.