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Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, shut the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for windows.
If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window & door glazing doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame is subject to lots of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different causes. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If you notice signs of damage to your window frame after an event, it's best to consult an expert because the damage could 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 an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning 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.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be also lost. This is the reason why windows doctor with broken seals will fog.
The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is usually 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. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cord can also cause draughts or rattles when the window is open or closed.
A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into a wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be rebuilt. It's not just ugly, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.