Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without having to move.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at little expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Take out any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
Once you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not sure about tackling the task on your own, or it is more economical to have your window replaced, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Suggested Web site & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can impact your home's value and health. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you need to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame after an event, it's a good idea consult an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals aren't working. It could be an invisible, thin 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 gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through walls. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace 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 is not an undertaking that can be completed by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad condition and will need to be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.