Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without having to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Take out any window pieces that remain 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 doctor that is holding the pieces in place.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further 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 pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can purchase an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that comes with all the required tools and components to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common issue that should be addressed as soon as is possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you have any visible signs of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea to seek advice from an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double glazing doctor pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value is also lost. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. It could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident from excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.