Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Repair My Windows And Doors or Broken Glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Before you can repair damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot on window frames can be unsightly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common issue that should be addressed immediately. This is essential 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 allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which causes the sash or frame to move.
If you see evidence of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea consult with an expert, because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is why windows with broken seals will 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 might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed especially on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Sometimes problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While the frame's condition can be evident from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur because the wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build too. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.