Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
Most times cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause issues for the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or you think it would be more cost-effective to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame you can buy a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When window doctor near me allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the primary reason why a window with broken seals will start to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.