Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired with little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.
Take out any window pieces that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with tempered glass. pvc doctor is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or if it's more efficient to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect both the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you need to replace it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing windows. This could be caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity 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 a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice moisture in the window's glass. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It is not only unsightly but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.