Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without the need to move. Loose or rotting exterior casing must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at minimal cost. Cracked or Broken Glass You may be wondering if you can repair the crack or broken window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window. In most instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially crucial in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball. Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together. Once https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-doctor-southend/ have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned. It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components and cause problems for the windows. Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries. If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it would be more economical to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement. Frame Damaged It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement. The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just ugly, but it can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both your home's value and health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit sold online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you require to replace it. Moisture-related cracks in window framing are a common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health. The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close. If your window frame shows visible signs of damage after a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs. Damaged Seals Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse. The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost too. This is the main reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged. The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best. A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without a reason Your windows could allow in too much cold air. The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing the window with polyurethane. inner aluminum spacer. 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. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window. While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, leading to mould, rot and even insect infestation. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed. A window that has a leak or that causes draughts may be costly to fix, especially if the water leaks into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window. If the casing around your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build also. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows air and moisture to enter the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.