Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Take out any window pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members to not 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 can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also trigger many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect both your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of an online kit or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that must be addressed immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only alternative. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
glass doctor in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the reason why windows with damaged seals will become brittle.
The best option to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation, your windows may let in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals aren't working. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident due to heavy rains or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and should be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.