Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times cracked or damaged window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially crucial in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. the window doctors that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not sure about tackling 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 experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before 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 hardware store or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is the 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. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another common problem is difficulty opening or closing windows. This could be caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust that causes the sash or frame to move.
If you have any visible signs of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert since the damage could be severe enough that replacement of your window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing 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, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value is also lost. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will fog.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.