Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially crucial in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
Once you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the window doctor near me frame as well as muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door and window doctor doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. These can affect your home's health and value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that comes with all the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it harder 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 displays visible signs of damage after a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or most effective option. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is crucial to address the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The best thing to do when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows doctor and ensure they are working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that the window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window doctor seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be apparent from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause rot and mould. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is open or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially if the water leaks into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door upvc doctor near me can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.