3 Reasons You're Door Doctor Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Loose or rotting exterior casing should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be fixed with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
You might be wondering if it is possible to repair the crack or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in position.
Once you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by rust and corrosion and could cause more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task on your own or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more 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 rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also lead to a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect both your home's value and health. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame you can buy the kit at an hardware store or online that comes with all the required tools and components to replace it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.
Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This could be caused by several different factors. It could be due to the accumulation 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 the window doctor repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk see signs of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea consult with an expert, because the damage could be severe enough that window replacement would be 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 last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and 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 essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to break down over time which allows air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be also lost. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you notice moisture in the window's glass. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if they are damaged. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
Often, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cord can also cause draughts or rattles when the window is open or closed.
Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or is completely missing it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. 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 can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.