Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can 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 is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Before you can fix a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the required tools and components to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed immediately. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Inability to open or close the window is a common issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible signs of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's best to consult an expert because the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside 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 important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is lost too. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
If window doctors near me think that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is essential to get any leaks repaired as soon as 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 the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.