Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
Most times cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Remove any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further issues for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not confident in 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 assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt, which causes the frame or sash to move.
If you notice evidence of damage to the frame of your window after a storm, then it's a good idea seek advice from an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. If repairmywindowsanddoors contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the main reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outside. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they're 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 solution than replacing an entire window.
Sometimes the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident due to excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to rot, mould and insect infestation. A broken sash cord can also cause draughts or rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to fix particularly in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows or because of poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.