So You've Bought Door Doctor ... Now What?
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living conditions without having to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. It's important to determine what caused the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is particularly important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Before you can repair a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.
After you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell members of your household not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts which can cause further problems 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 pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.
If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
The rotting of wood around window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged part of the frame, you can use a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts you require to replace it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to get into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. It could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.
If you notice indications of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture in the glass of your windows. It could be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.
While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to fix particularly when the water seeps into a wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by a novice. window doctors near me could be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.