Five Things Everybody Gets Wrong Concerning Door Doctor
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve living condition without the need to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with little expense.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them.
After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further issues for 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 granular pieces that are less likely than jagged shards to cause injury.
If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it's more efficient to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or more comprehensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot on window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. These can affect your home's health and value. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase a kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's a good idea consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that 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's important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulating value is lost as well. This is the reason why windows with damaged seals can become foggy.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.
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 from your window. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice moisture in the glass of your windows. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips 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 take the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.
Oft, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from excessive rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, leading to rot, mould and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. repairmywindowsanddoors & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by an amateur. The wall around it could be in poor condition and will need to be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. No matter the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.