Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on many factors, including the severity of the break, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or an comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To repair this problem begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can purchase the kit at an hardware store or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or most effective alternative. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the main reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping window doctor down with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
The signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. 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, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows, or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an undertaking for the amateur as the wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. It's not just ugly but also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.