Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also 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.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In most cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Remove any window pieces that are still in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check window doctor Repair My Windows And Doors , muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more economical to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also lead to many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect the value of your home and its health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. 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 the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different causes. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame after an event, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you observe 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.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is the main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The best thing to do should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is when you see water between the windows' glass. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outside. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into walls. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose, cracked, rotting or missing entirely it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and should be rebuilt. It's not just ugly, but it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.