14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Door Doctor
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.
Cracked or broken glass
You might be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the damage and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.
Most of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed instead of replacing it. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.
Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more economical to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact your home's value and health. To fix this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing the rotten wood by using a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common issue that must be addressed immediately. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This can be caused by several different factors. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder 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 see evidence of damage to your window frame following an event, it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that replacement of your window is the best or only option. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the material to break down over time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. window doctors near me 's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.
A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty feeling particularly on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal It could be due to the fact that your windows let in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see water between the window's glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loose, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly however, it allows air and moisture to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. Regardless of the material, all replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.