Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without the need to move.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
You may be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the window doctor children.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and instruct your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're concerned 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 shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window & door doctor to help 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.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window doctor frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. Once you've removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts that you need to repair it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are a 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 contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If you see evidence of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, because the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to break down over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why windows with broken seals will start to get smoky.
The best option to take should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation Your windows could let in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are breaking down is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. It could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. 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.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are open or closed.
A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly 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 surrounding your window is sagging, cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. It's not just ugly but also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or pvc doctor products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, which requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Regardless of the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.