Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living condition without having to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll 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 cracked window than replace it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break them.
Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components, which could cause further problems for windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as rotted frames can be serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unsightly but can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect your home's value as well as its health. 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, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you require to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell 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 as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which causes the frame or sash to move.
If you see signs of damage to your window frame following an event, it's best to seek advice from an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. window doctor help to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level 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's important to fix the problem before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
The signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide 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 remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to mold, rot, and insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or completely missing it must be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in bad condition and should be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.