Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with little expense.
Broken or cracked 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 invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most times cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially crucial in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that will impact your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue, start by removing any 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 a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak 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 problem is having difficulty opening or closing windows. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you notice signs of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills It's crucial to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
The best thing to do if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is if you can see moisture between the window's glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While window doctor repairmywindowsanddoors to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which requires painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. Regardless of the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.