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 been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Remove any window pieces that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected 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 household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Check window doctors repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself or you think it would be more economical to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To remedy this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.
Another common issue that needs to be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different reasons. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason why a window with broken seals will start to fog.
The most effective thing to do when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A few indications that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to mold, rot, and insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur because the wall could be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. 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 weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.