Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In most cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself, or it is more cost-effective to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also trigger various issues including fungus, mold, and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood using a saw or chisel. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed immediately. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows 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.
Inability to open or close the window is another common problem that could have different causes. It could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's best to consult an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. window doctor Repair My Windows And Doors in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down in time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem like a simple task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
The signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is if you can see moisture between the glass of your windows. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur because the wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the quality of the product. Regardless of the material, all replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.