Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living condition without the need to move.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. They are usually signs of moisture damage and can be repaired with the least amount of expense.

Cracked or Broken Glass

If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.

In the majority of instances, cheaper it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.

Remove any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.

Once you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a safe way. Wear gloves and cheaper closed-toe shoes whenever you are dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and tell your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts which can cause further issues for the windows.

If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.

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 you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. These can affect your home's health and value. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware shop that comes with all the tools and components you need to repair it.

Another common problem that should be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.

Inability to open or close the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be due to 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 open and close properly.

If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an event, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only alternative. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also help to keep an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy costs. If you notice 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 together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals can become foggy.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.

A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling, especially on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.

The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is a further sign that your seals are not working. It could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

Often problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be evident from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.

A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to fix, especially when the water seeps into walls. It is essential to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window repair service is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be done by a novice. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and may require to be rebuilt. It's not just unappealing however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.