Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on many factors, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In most cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It is important to determine what caused the crack, and then act quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Before you can fix a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.
Once you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door, and inform your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further issues for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own, or if it will 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 skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other events. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that could impact your home's value and health. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of an online kit or at a hardware shop that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by several different factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If you have any visible signs of damage to your window frame following an event, it's a good idea to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
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 that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The most effective thing to do should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem like a simple task but it's a step that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling particularly on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see moisture between the window's glass. 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 gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be completed by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and should be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-doctor-birmingham/ sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.