Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It's important to determine what caused the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Remove any window pieces that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that can impact the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This is caused by several different factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. pvc doctor may be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only or most effective option. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. The window's insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window 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 straightforward task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal has failed 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 due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is when you see water between the window's glass. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While the frame's condition can be apparent from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, which can lead to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. 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 leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, cracked, rotting or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. Loose casing is unattractive however, it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.