20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Door Doctor
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, including the severity of the crack, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
Most times, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is particularly important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.
After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door doctor near me, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more problems with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion, you can purchase a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common problem that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the door doctor wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by several different factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after a storm it is a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or best option. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture that could damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. 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 worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is why windows with damaged seals will fog.
The most effective thing to do when you suspect the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.
Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling, especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see water between the windows' glass. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the window doctor less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be evident from heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into a wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall may be in disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.