Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Before you can fix a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, 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 the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window & door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that will impact the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you need to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed immediately. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more 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 your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is crucial to address the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping Repair My Windows And Doors down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer 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 are damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.