Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack, and then act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Take out any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed any shards of glass Clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely 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. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. These can affect the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you require to replace it.
window doctors near me that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common problem that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of the window is the only or most effective option. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulating value is also lost. This is the reason a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is if you notice water between the windows' glass. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the 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 cap made of metal that protects the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly when the water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose, cracked, rotting or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. No matter the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.
