Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.
Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.
Remove any window pieces that are still within its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in position.
Once you have removed the glass shards, take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and tell your family members to not go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more problems with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also lead to many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can impact your home's value and health. To fix this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the rotten wood using a saw or chisel. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can purchase an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only option. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it worsens.
No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to degrade over time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. The window's insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to become smudged.
The best thing to do when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.
A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals aren't working. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or faux. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are damaged or rotted. This is usually a less expensive alternative than replacing a complete window.
Often the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A sash cord that is damaged can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are shut or opened.
A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into walls. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Doors Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.
If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.