Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
Most times cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell members of your household not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components which can cause further issues for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you are not sure about tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other events. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot on window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, use a kit sold online or in a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is the 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. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also diminished if it contains inert gases. Repair My Windows And Doors is the reason windows with broken seals will become brittle.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is when you see water between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is 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.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing rot, mould and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build also. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.