Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without having to move. Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired with minimal expense. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-doctor-oxford/ or cracked glass If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause and what type of glass is used in your windows. In the majority of cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids. Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Utilize a chisel or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place. Once you have removed any shards of glass Clean the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned. It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows. Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injuries. If you are not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are adept at fixing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement. Frame Damaged The window frame endures a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged often. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected quickly, other issues like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs. The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unsightly but can also trigger many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can impact your home's value as well as its health. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. Once you've removed the damaged part of the frame, make use of a kit sold online or at a hardware shop that includes all the tools and components you require to replace it. Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is crucial because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health. Difficulty opening or closing the window is a common issue that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close. If you notice signs of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements. Seals that are damaged Window seals provide the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse. The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's increased insulation can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will fog. The best option to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition. A few indications that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows let in more cold air. Another indication that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see water between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane. Damaged Muntins or Mullions The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many instances this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window. Sometimes, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, causing mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are shut or opened. Repairing windows that leak or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window. If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build also. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.