Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get any worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors since 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 go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could impact your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as is possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which causes the sash or frame to move.
If you see signs of damage to the frame of your window after a storm, then it's a good idea to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best or only option. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. If you find 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.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the main reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
The signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are breaking down is if you can see moisture between the window's glass. It could be a thin line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. 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 broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity 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) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into walls. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by an amateur. The wall around it could be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly however, it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weather-resistant
