Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order 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 signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be repaired at minimal cost. Cracked or Broken Glass You might be wondering if it is possible to repair your cracked or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window. In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than to replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get any worse. This is especially important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a child's ball. Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces. Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up. Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for windows. Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury. If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window & door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement. Damaged Frame It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs. Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also cause many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, use an online kit or at a hardware shop that includes all the equipment and parts you need to repair it. Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and expand when it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members. Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly. If you notice indications of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's best to consult with an expert, as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You could be able make a claim through your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements. Damaged Seals Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it gets any worse. If your windows are single or double pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will fog. The best option to take should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task but it's a step that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition. Some signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on a cold winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out from the window by cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without any explanation Your windows could be letting in too much cold air. Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you notice moisture between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-doctor-croydon/ can be corrected by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer. Damaged Muntins or Mullions Muntins and mullions, which are the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window. While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed. A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into a wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window. If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.