Blog entry by Merissa Rayburn

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Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.

Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired with minimal expense.

Cracked or broken glass

You may be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a lot of factors, including the severity of the crack and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

In the majority of cases, it's simpler to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially crucial when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.

Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window and door doctor You'll need to take out any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.

Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your household members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.

Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.

If you're worried about the long-term damage, consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass and breaks into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.

If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own or if it's more cost-effective to replace your window contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism, or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.

The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also cause a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that could impact the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase the kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to repair it.

Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. This is particularly important because 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 lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.

Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This could be caused by several different factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.

If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after an event, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of the window is the only option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals offer the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. So, 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 problem fixed right away before it gets worse.

The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is also lost. This is the reason why windows with damaged seals will fog.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.

A drafty feeling is one of the signs that your window seal has failed, especially during the cold winter days. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.

Another indication that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see moisture between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the door doctor near me window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and mullions, which are the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many cases this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.

Often problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.

Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor windows can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.

Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpgIf the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice as the wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.