Why We Enjoy Door Doctor (And You Should Also!)
Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value 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 fixed at a minimal cost. Broken or cracked glass If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can fix it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass you have in your window. In the majority of instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and act quickly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for a child. Before you can repair a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. This is done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them. Once you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members to not enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned. It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause more issues with the windows. Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury. If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other accidents. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or more comprehensive window replacement. Damaged Frame The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs. Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping, and then removing the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, use a kit sold online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts that you need to replace it. Another common issue that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health. Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt 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 have any visible signs of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's best to seek advice from an expert because the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best or only option. You could be able make a claim through 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 moisture and air infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse. If your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is lost as well. This is the main reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to fog. If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning repairmywindowsanddoors using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure that they remain in top condition. Some signs that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air. Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture in the windows' glass. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane. Muntins and Mullions Damaged Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window. Oft, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame can be evident from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are shut or opened. A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window. If the casing around your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an undertaking for the amateur because the wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction as well. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.