Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider 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 if you're able to tackle the task yourself or if it would be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also lead to various issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion, you can purchase an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that comes with all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame following an event, it's best to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be also lost. This is the primary reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice moisture between the window's glass. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired 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 could be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. window doctors near me damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows moisture and air to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.