Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to figure out the glass doctor cause of the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing doctor that holds the pieces together.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible 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, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components, which could cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common problem that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that causes the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or most effective option. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass doctor to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost as well. This is the reason why windows with broken seals can become foggy.
The most effective thing to do when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals aren't working. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window & door doctor repair experts are able to repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window doctors is opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. No matter the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.