Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. 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 if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the break and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Remove any window pieces that are still in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional 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 an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that will affect your home's value and health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged part of the frame, use an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different 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 impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only or most effective option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
The best thing to do should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.
the window doctor that your window seals are failing is if you notice moisture between the window's glass. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and may require to be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.