Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on many aspects, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It's important to determine what caused the crack, and then 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 lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause issues for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it's more economical to have your window replaced contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. window doctor can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged often. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more 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 your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason why windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the life of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.