Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. double glazing doctor is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It's important to determine what caused the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
Once 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 whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform 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. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you are not sure about tackling the task yourself, or it is more economical to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unsightly but can also trigger various issues including fungus, mold, and pests that could affect your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing 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 worsens.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be also lost. This is the main reason why a window with broken seals will start to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice moisture in the windows' glass. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an 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 window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is loose or damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.