Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on many factors, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door, and inform your family members not to enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further problems for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged at times. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion, you can purchase the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could be damaging 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 problem that could have different causes. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which causes the frame or sash to move.
If you see indications of damage to your window frame after an event, it's a good idea to seek advice from an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture in the window's glass. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Often problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be apparent from excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, leading to rot, mould and even insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. upvc doctor are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.