Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Remove any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After 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 because they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door, and inform your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the job yourself, or it is more economical to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. window doctor is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also trigger a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect both your home's value and health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and components you require to repair it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust which causes the frame or sash to move.
If you notice signs of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea to consult an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The best thing to do when you suspect 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 regularly with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
The signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice water between the window's glass. This moisture can be a thin line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, 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, leading to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be completed by an amateur. The wall around it could be in poor condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly but also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and requires painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.