Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors, such as the severity of the damage and the cause, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
Once you have removed any glass shards Clean up 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 can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components, which could cause further issues for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or if it's more efficient to have your window replaced, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that could impact your home's value and health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of an online kit or at a hardware shop that comes with all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Another common problem that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a common issue that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. 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 upvc window doctor near me is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost as well. This is why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
The best thing to do should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals aren't working. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outside. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident due to excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially if the water leaks into walls. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose, cracked, rotting or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur because the wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.