Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as is possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It's important to determine what caused the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Before you can repair a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or if it's more efficient to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause 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 the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing windows. This can be caused by several different factors. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If you have any visible signs of damage to the frame of your window after a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade over time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.
The best option to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the life of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows are letting in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you can see moisture in the window's glass. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent haze interfering with 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 fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
window doctor and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be evident from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive however, it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.