Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. 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 especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. the window doctor can be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged from time to time. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also trigger many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can impact your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to repair it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep 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 another common problem that could have different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If you see signs of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing especially on a cold winter's day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and should be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly however it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.