Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without having to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Repair My Windows And Doors or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you'll need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces together.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It's 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 damage these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just ugly, but it can also cause various issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. After removing the damaged frame you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs or 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.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common problem that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or best alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost too. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture between the window's glass. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially when the water seeps into a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice because the wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It's not just ugly however, it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.