Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without having to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.
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If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window.
The majority of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.
Remove any windowsills that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them.
After 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 handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and tell your family members to not go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause problems for windows.
Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to have your window replaced contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also help you determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some 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 more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame you can buy the kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the necessary tools and parts to replace it.
Another common problem that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. The problem may simply be due to 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 indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also help maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it worsens.
Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade over time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to fog.
The best thing to do should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed, especially during a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows let in more cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. Window repair experts can repair them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a much more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.
Sometimes problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from excessive rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, causing mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.