Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any glass shards Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for windows.
If the window doctor repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you are not sure about tackling the task on your own or you think it would be more economical to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder 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 seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are double-paned or single-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The temperature cycling in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with broken seals will start to fog.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason the windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive 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. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and may require to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.