Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use window doctors or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because 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 go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further problems for windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task on your own, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through lots of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also cause a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that could impact the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you require to repair it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. It could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you see evidence of damage to the frame of your window after a storm, then it's best to seek advice from an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulating value is also lost. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will fog.
The most effective thing to do if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is if you can see moisture between the glass of your windows. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. 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 weatherproof than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.