Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority times cracks or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
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 glass or mirror pieces, as 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 be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. the window doctor can impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of an online kit or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and parts you require to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. 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 harmful to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. It could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only or best option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to become smudged.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is when you see moisture between the glass of your windows. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack 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 strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially when the water seeps into walls. It is essential to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad condition and should be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which 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 than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.