Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crack and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It is important to determine what caused the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Take out any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
Once you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and tell your family members not to go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you are not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit sold online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts you require to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common problem that could have different causes. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you see evidence of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, because the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a simple task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
window doctors near me of moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be evident from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air in. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or completely missing it must be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by a novice. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and may require to be rebuilt. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.