Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break them.
Once you 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 whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further problems for windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it would be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware shop that comes with all the tools and components you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt that causes the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
Repair My Windows And Doors to do if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This might seem like a simple task but it's a step that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason the windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice water between the windows' glass. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, leading to mould, rot and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly however, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.