Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is especially important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Remove any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further issues for the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. window doctor is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window 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 often. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also trigger a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and components you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed immediately. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or best option. You may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. If you observe that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value is also diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
The best thing to do should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or faux. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. In many cases this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident due to excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks 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 faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and may require to be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.