Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors since they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause problems for the windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you are not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it's more efficient to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also lead to many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of an online kit or at a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which causes the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or most effective 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 final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If upvc window doctor near me observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is why windows with damaged seals will fog.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. 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 keep them operating at their best.
A few indications that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or faux. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many instances, 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 can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a novice. The wall around it could be in bad condition and should be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home which 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. These are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.