Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired with minimal cost.
the window doctors or broken glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.
Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts which can cause further problems for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.
If you're not sure about tackling the task on your own or if it's more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also help you determine between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like rotted frames can be severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that will affect both the value of your home and its health. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed immediately. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is difficulty opening or closing windows. This could be caused by several different factors. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or most effective option. 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 provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why a window with broken seals will start to fog.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed immediately after they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair 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 going to need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur because the wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will require painting regularly to maintain the quality of the product. Regardless of the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.