Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. The key is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and instruct your family members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or if it's more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible signs of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's best to seek advice from an expert because the damage could be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best or only option. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is also lost. window doctor is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason Your windows could be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it's going 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 repaired. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows moisture and air 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. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which will require painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.