Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on many factors, including the severity of the break and the cause, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window security film (supplemental resources) can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action 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 apartment window repair pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror 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 enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window restoration service with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you are not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms, or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just ugly, but it can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect both your home's value and health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to replace it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window scratch repair frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This can be caused by several different factors. It could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see moisture in the glass of your windows. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. 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 expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. 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 or damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build also. It's not just ugly however, it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.