Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without having to move.

Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually indications of moisture intrusion, and can be fixed at a minimal cost.

Broken or cracked glass

If your window's glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a number of factors including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.

The majority of the time cracked or damaged window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to pinpoint what caused the crack and act quickly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the glass doctor kids.

Take out any window pieces that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.

After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, close the door, and tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.

It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can cause damage to these components, which could cause further problems for windows.

Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.

If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can also help you decide between a quick fix or a more comprehensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame goes through many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged from time to time. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to prevent more extensive repairs or replacement costs.

The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit available online or at a hardware shop that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.

Another common problem that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause 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 as well as your possessions and even your family's health.

Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust 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 your window frame after an event, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert since the damage could be severe enough that window replacement would be the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture that could damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. 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.

No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to seep between the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.

If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working you should adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaner will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that your window seal is failing especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation 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 aren't working. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many cases this is a more cost-effective solution 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 issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.

A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be done by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and will need to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly, it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.