Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without having to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Cracked or broken glass
You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window & door doctor than to replace it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Before you can repair damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing doctor that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you require to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that could have different causes. It could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or best option. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason why windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a simple task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure that they remain 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 pulling warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be a thin line of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing and can be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While the frame's condition can be evident from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as evident. 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 damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door bifold doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window doctor.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the quality of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.