Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair double glazing doctors rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, including the severity of the break and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It's important to determine what caused the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect both your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can buy the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which causes the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only option. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside 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 single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the main reason why a window with broken seals will start to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal is failing particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, leading to mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly if the water leaks into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.