Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living condition without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Remove any window pieces that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and instruct members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into tiny granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion you can buy a kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. repairmywindowsanddoors is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When 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.
Another issue that is common is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you see signs of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why windows with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air in your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is if you notice water between the windows' glass. It could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Often the more obscure issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly when the water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and will need to be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most 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. No matter the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.