Nelly Schwindt asked 3 months ago
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with little expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked you’re probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the crack and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. It’s important to determine the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn’t get any worse. This is particularly important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door doctor near me, and inform your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you’re worried about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by storms, vandalism, or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it’s no surprise that it gets damaged often. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and lead to many problems, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed immediately. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house’s structure as well as your possessions and even your family’s health.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This is caused by several different factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If you see evidence of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it’s best to consult with an expert, since the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best or only option. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you’ve noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it’s essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix’s sunshine can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window’s enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason why windows with damaged seals will fog.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren’t working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice moisture in the window’s glass. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the double glazing doctor area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window’s frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn’t necessarily an undertaking for the amateur because the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. No matter the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.