Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to add value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Remove any windowsills that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. 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 recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and inform members of your household not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. They can impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit sold online or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and components that you need to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could 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 home and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common problem that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you notice evidence of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's best to consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed, especially during a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. upvc window doctor can be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing 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, can be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts are able to repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely it must be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.