Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to buy 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 most cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than replace it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Remove any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once simply click the following post have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it's more economical to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and a more comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of an online kit or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
Another issue that is common is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or best option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is also lost. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The most effective thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed especially on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture in the glass of your windows. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, leading to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a novice. The wall around it could be in bad shape and will need to be repaired. It's not just unappealing but also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.