Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In most cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and tell your family members not to go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. window doctor can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that have been 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 surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause various issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value and health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is another common problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you observe that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulating value is also lost. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will fog.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This might seem like a simple task but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are failing. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually 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, may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While the frame's condition can be apparent from heavy rains, snow melt, or 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 into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.