Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are often a sign of moisture penetration and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked 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 crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to pinpoint what caused the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Take out any windowsills that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
After you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that will affect both your home's value and health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components you need to repair it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.
If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost too. This is the main reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to get smoky.
If window doctors near me believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is if you notice water between the windows' glass. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many cases this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can also cause draughts or rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build as well. 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 sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the quality of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.