Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your hurricane-proof window repair glass is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your louvred window repair.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window restoration can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is particularly important when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Remove any windowsills that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely 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 glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you are not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to have your window replaced, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the tools and parts you require to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different causes. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following a storm it is a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only or most effective option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have 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 double-paned or single-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down over time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the main reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The best thing to do should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation Your windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see moisture between the residential windows repair' glass. This moisture can be a thin line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is essential to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or completely missing it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. It is possible to replace it 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, and requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.