15 Reasons To Not Ignore Door Doctor
Should You Call a window and door doctor (more info here)?
Window and door repair and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without the need to move.
The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window glass has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.
Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.
Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.
Check the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more issues with the windows.
Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.
If you are not confident in tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more efficient to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement project.
Damaged Frame
It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The rotted wood around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can buy a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to replace it.
Another common issue that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause 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 the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.
Difficulty opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different causes. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.
If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why windows with damaged seals will become brittle.
The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It might seem like a simple task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing, 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 usual without an explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.
The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident due to heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.
Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.
If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build as well. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl pvc doctor products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.
