Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the damage, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can repair damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and instruct your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing 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 full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact your home's health and value. To repair window doctors near me by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. If 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.
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 in dirt or dust that creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or best alternative. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. 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 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 indication that your seals are not working. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. It's not just ugly, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.