Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without the need to move.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired with minimal expense.

Broken or cracked glass

If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

Most of the time cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.

Take out any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release them.

After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves 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 members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.

Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further problems for the windows.

If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.

If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own or if it would be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame is subject to many years of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that must be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just ugly, but it can also cause a wide range of problems such as mold, fungus and pests that will affect both your home's value and health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged part of the frame, you can use a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components you require to replace it.

Cracks caused by moisture in the window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home window repair. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.

Another issue that is common 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 creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.

If your window frame displays visible signs of damage after an incident, it's an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only or best alternative. You could be able submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture that could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain 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's crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse.

Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down in time, allowing humidity and air to enter the panes. The window's insulation value is also 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 it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.

Some signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation Your windows could be letting in too much cold air.

Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are failing. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration gap that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many instances this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.

Oft, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident from heavy rains or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.

Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build as well. It's not just ugly but also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the quality of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.