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Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing must be repaired as quickly as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, including the severity of the break, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.
Take out any windowsills that remain in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing doctor holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass doctor pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components, which could cause further issues for the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or if it would be more economical to replace your window, contact an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect both the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can purchase the kit at an hardware store or online that comes with all the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that can have several different causes. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only alternative. You might be able to file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If you observe that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost too. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed particularly on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are failing. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if they are damaged. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious issues are often ignored. 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 mould and rot. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an easy task for a novice as the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build also. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, any replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.