Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order 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 is possible. These are typically an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at little expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the crack, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for the windows.
If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.
If you're not sure about tackling the task on your own, or it is more economical to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement project.
Frame Damaged
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged often. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unsightly but can also cause various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that will impact your home's value and health. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part, you can purchase an entire kit from an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Another common issue that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because 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 lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different causes. It could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you see indications of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's a good idea to consult with an expert, as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you might 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 an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will fog.
The best option to take when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will extend the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is one of the signs that the window seal has failed especially on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see moisture between the windows' glass. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed 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, could be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive option than replacing the entire window.
Oft problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be apparent from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix, especially when the water seeps into a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the quality of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.