Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, and act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Remove any windowsills that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause problems for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task on your own, or it is more economical to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unsightly but can also cause many issues like mold, fungus and pests that will impact your home's value as well as its health. To remedy window doctors near me by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that causes the sash or frame to move.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also help to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down in time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulating value is lost too. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals aren't working. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many instances, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.