Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also 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 loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. the window doctor will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than to replace it. It is important to determine what caused the crack, and act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Take out any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around 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 recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident in tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in fixing and replacing 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 more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also cause many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed immediately. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only alternative. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you observe that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The most effective thing to do should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness 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 usual It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outside. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing mold, rot, and insect infestation. 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 causes draughts may be expensive to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur because the wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. Loose casing is unattractive however, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.