Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic 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
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is particularly important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Remove any window pieces that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage 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 window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To repair this problem begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. window doctor may simply be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea to seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also help to maintain 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 important to fix the problem before it worsens.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice water between the window's glass. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.