Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the crack and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most times cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass has been 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 can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on window frames can be ugly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can buy the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases moisture. When 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.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. It could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you notice signs of damage to your window frame after an event, it's best to seek advice from an expert because the damage could be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are failing. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outside. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cord can cause draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly, especially if water gets into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose, cracked, rotting or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be completed by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and will need to be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. the window doctor can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.