Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on many factors, including the severity of the break, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be repaired rather than replaced. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door, and inform your family members not to enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to more issues with the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or an comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just ugly, but it can also lead to a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that could impact your home's value and health. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you need to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can 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 and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If you see signs of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea consult with an expert, because the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals will fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on 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 usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is when you see moisture in the windows' glass. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many instances, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. the window doctor & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The wall around it could be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.