Blog entry by Tamera Zwar
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window and door doctor near me than to replace it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. 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 break the pieces.
After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door and window doctor, and inform your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components and cause problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task yourself or if it would be more economical to replace your window, contact a professional window & door doctor near me doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged at times. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and lead to many problems like mold and fungus. These can affect your home's health and value. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame you can buy the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because 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 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 a window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible signs of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's best to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside and lower 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 problem fixed right away before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
The best thing to do when you suspect the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are not working. This moisture can be a thin line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window doctors.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.