Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the damage and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In most instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can fix a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door, and inform your family members not to enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can cause damage to these components, which could cause further issues for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms 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 a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect both your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After removing windowdoctor damaged frame part you can buy the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you notice evidence of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill, it's important to have 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 a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
Often problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as evident. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, which can lead to mould, rot and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.