Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Before you can fix a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. window doctor near me that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and instruct your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also lead to a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that can affect the value of your home and its health. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and parts you require to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand 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 and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be due to the accumulation 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 properly open and close.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full replacement of the window is the only or best alternative. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. 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 sign that your seals aren't working. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. It's not just ugly however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.