Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering whether you can 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 you have in your window.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It is important to determine what caused the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can purchase a kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since 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 lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that causes the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only or best option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and keep them operating at their best.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows are letting in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. In many cases this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into walls. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. Repair My Windows And Doors are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.