Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it would 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 in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing windows. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the reason windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is when you see moisture between the glass of your windows. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a novice. The wall around it could be in poor condition and should be repaired. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.