Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer depends on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own, or it is more economical to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged at times. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also trigger many issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect your home's value as well as its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, 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 a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or best alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting 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.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double-paned or single-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down over time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is why windows with damaged seals will fog.
The most effective thing to do should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A few indications that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
repairmywindowsanddoors or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. 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 cause mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.