Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be fixed with little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many aspects, such as the severity of the crack and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
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. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is having difficulty opening or closing windows. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you notice 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.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade over time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost too. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
window doctor to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal is failing, especially during an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside 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 normal It could be due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The cause of moisture in glass is 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.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.