Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Repairs to windows and doors and 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 to increase their 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 are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
You may be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
The majority times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and act quickly so it doesn’t worsen. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.
Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces together.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.
It’s also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts which can cause further problems for the windows.
Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.
If you are not sure about tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and upvc door doctor Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also assist you to choose between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It’s not a surprise that the double glazing doctor window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more serious and must be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame portion, you can purchase the kit at an online hardware store or a hardware store that comes with all the required tools and components to replace it.
Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house’s structure as well as your possessions and even your family’s health.
Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.
If you notice indications of damage to your window frame following an incident, it’s a good idea seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They’re also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren’t working or you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills, it’s important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they’re single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the primary reason why a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren’t working, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer but it’s a step that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows’ glass panes is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, could be fake or real. If they’re damaged window repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all the glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
While the damage to your window’s frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are closed or opened.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & door and window doctor upvc doctor near me can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it’s going to need to be replaced. This isn’t a task that can be completed by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad condition and should be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.