Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door, and inform your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not confident in tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more economical to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the tools and components you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or most effective alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. windowdoctor help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to seep between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed especially 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 higher than normal, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are failing is if you can see water between the window's glass. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or faux. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. 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 weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the quality of the product. No matter the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.