Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be fixed with little expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Before you can fix a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and inform your household members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. It could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only alternative. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over the window doctor , temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice moisture between the windows' glass. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to rot, mould and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad shape and may require to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.