Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as 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.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. try this site is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own, or it is more economical to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or a more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to many issues like mold, fungus and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can buy an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and 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 as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder 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 exhibits visible signs of damage after an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason the windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you see water between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
A window that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.