Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without having to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members 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 or mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact the value of your home and its health. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and components you need to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since 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 could cause harm 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 a different problem that could have different causes. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you notice signs of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's best to seek advice from an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down over time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the main reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook 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 your window seal is failing, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The wall around it could be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly, but it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Whatever the material, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpgÿ)