Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the crack and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Take out any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components, which could cause further problems for windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the task on your own, or it is more economical to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only unsightly but can also trigger a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.
Another common problem that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or most effective alternative. 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 against air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills It's crucial to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Repair My Windows And Doors in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade over time, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
The best option to take if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or faux. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For instance, 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 mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into walls. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.