The Advanced Guide To Door Doctor
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass is cracked or broken, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on many aspects, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Take out any windowsills that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.
Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Inability to open or close the window is a common problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible indications of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea consult with an expert, because the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the last layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is lost too. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.
If you think that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
The signs that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be fake or real. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
Often, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. the window doctor near me damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into walls. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose, cracked, rotting or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Whatever the material, any replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.