Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.

Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.

Cracked or Broken Glass

If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a lot of factors, including the severity of the break and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to pinpoint 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 from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.

Remove any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release them.

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

It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts which can cause further issues for the windows.

Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than jagged pieces of glass.

If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own, 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 adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows 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 surprising that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem begin by removing any weatherstripping, and then removing 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 online hardware store or a hardware store that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to repair it.

Another common issue that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If wood cracks, it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.

Another common issue is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This could be caused by several different factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.

If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you may 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 against air and moisture that can damage windows. They also aid in helping to maintain the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets any worse.

Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.

If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to adhere to the double glazing doctor instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the life of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is dragging 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 moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. It could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

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

While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to be introduced into the home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A broken sash cord can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.

Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or is completely missing it must be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in bad shape and will need to be rebuilt. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house which can reduce 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. These are more weather-resistant than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. No matter the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.