Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crack and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Take out any upvc window doctor pieces that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, look into replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself, or it is more cost-effective to have your window replaced, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window & Door doctor replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause many issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that comes with all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Inability to open or close the window is a common problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which causes the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window doctor could be the only or best option. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
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, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see water between the windows' glass. It could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly, especially if water gets into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, Window Doctor rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and may require to be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly however, it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or pvc doctor near me products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.