Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety 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 fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove 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 double glazing doctors glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible 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 secure an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check 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 could lead to more issues with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value and health. To repair this problem begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood by using a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame you can buy the kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is especially important since 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 as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best or only option. 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 offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to fog.
The best option to take should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling, especially on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will require painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.