Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living conditions without having to relocate. The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be fixed as soon as is possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with little expense. Broken or cracked glass You might be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the crack and the type of glass used in your window. The majority times cracks or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a child's ball. Before you can repair a cracked or broken window You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place. After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up. It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which are used to support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more issues with the windows. Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical. If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, contact a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other events. They can also help you choose between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement. Frame Damaged The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement. Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To repair this problem start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to replace it. Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family. Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that could have different causes. It could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close. If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. You might be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements. Damaged Seals Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse. Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the reason why a window that has broken seals can become foggy. The best option to take when you suspect the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak. A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air. Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is if you can see moisture in the window's glass. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be corrected by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer. Damaged Muntins or Mullions Muntins and Mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window. Sometimes problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be evident from heavy rains or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, leading to rot, mould and insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed. Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-doctor-bournemouth/ is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly constructed windows that allow air in. Window & Doors Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window. If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur because the wall could be in disrepair and requires a new build also. It's not just unappealing but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.