Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a child's ball.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you require to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that must be addressed immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of the window is the only or most effective alternative. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you notice that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with broken seals will start to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are deteriorating is if you notice moisture between the windows' glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outside. https://articlescad.com/11-ways-to-completely-sabotage-your-pvc-doctor-178833.html between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts can often be caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let 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's going to need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.