Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Repair My Windows And Doors have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living condition without having to move.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.
Take out any windowsills that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you're not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home and its value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of an online kit or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components you need to replace 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, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of the window is the only option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
If your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be also lost. This is the primary reason why a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is when you see water between the window's glass. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are open or closed.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially if the water leaks into walls. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad condition and should be rebuilt. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.