Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to figure out 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 children.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release the pieces.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further issues for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value and health. To fix this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, use an online kit or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by several different factors. glass doctor could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which causes the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is the main reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. 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 has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, leading to mould, rot and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when the window is open or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, any replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.