9 Signs That You're A Door Doctor Expert
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can fix it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer is contingent on many factors, including the severity of the crack and the cause, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is important to determine what caused the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.
Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members not to 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 or mullions that help support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause further problems with the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.
If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an comprehensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with promptly to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.
Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact your home's health and value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family members.
The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common problem that could have different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If you have any visible indications of damage to your window frame following an event, it's a good idea consult an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete window replacement would be the best option or only choice. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals offer the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to break down in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their life and keep them in top condition.
Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see water between the window's glass. window doctor could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.
Damaged Muntins or Mullions
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.
While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, causing rot, mould and even insect infestation. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing around your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house 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. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.