Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without the need to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on many factors, such as the severity of the damage and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Remove any window pieces that remain in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To fix this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged frame you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since 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 into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by several different factors. 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 might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only or best option. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any 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. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will become brittle.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging 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.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are breaking down is if you notice water between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into walls. It is essential to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. window doctors near me & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.