Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on many factors, including the severity of the break and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack, and act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Remove any window pieces that are still within its frame or on the floor. the window doctor is best done with heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause issues for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more efficient to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues like mold and fungus. They can impact your home's health and value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can buy an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade over time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal has failed particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are failing. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outside. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly if the water leaks into a wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build also. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the quality of the product. No matter the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.