5 Killer Quora Answers On 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 renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without having to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as possible. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint what caused the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release the pieces.
Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and tell your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can cause damage to these components and cause issues for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by storms, vandalism, or other incidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that will affect both your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts needed to replace it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If you see indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, since the damage could be severe enough that full window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation is also diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will fog.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the double glazing doctor cleaning agent suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed especially on a cold winter's day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are deteriorating is if you notice moisture in the windows' glass. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
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 the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad shape and will need to be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.