14 Common Misconceptions About Door Doctor
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.
Most times cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.
After you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more issues with the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage, look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to replace it.
Another common problem that needs to be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or most effective alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.
The best option to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air from your window. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are not working. It could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the window doctors glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and insect infestation. A broken sash cord can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose, cracked, rotting or is completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. No matter the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.