Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, including the severity of the break, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In most cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Take out any windowsills that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully 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 create a cordon around an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components, which could cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged often. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware shop that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Repair My Windows And Doors is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This can 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 may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only or most effective alternative. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you observe that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the 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 pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal has failed especially on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. The condensation 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.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Oft the more obscure issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be apparent from excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & 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's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and should be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.