Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the break and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and 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 any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged often. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also lead to various issues including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you see evidence of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, as the damage may be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that can damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with broken seals will start to become smudged.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting haze interfering with your view of the outside. the window doctor repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be evident from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, causing mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having 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 could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. It's not just ugly but also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.