Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their property and improve their living condition without having to relocate.

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

Cracked or Broken Glass

You may be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.

In most cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.

Before you can repair a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in place.

Once you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.

Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components which can cause further issues for the windows.

Replace the window doctor window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injury.

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not surprising that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others such as damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

The rotting of wood around window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also trigger various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can impact your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the required tools and components to replace it.

Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are a common issue that must be addressed as soon as is possible. This is especially important 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 can cause harm to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.

The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a different problem that could have different reasons. It could be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.

If you have any visible evidence of damage to the frame of your window after an event, it's best to seek advice from an expert as the damage may be so severe that a complete replacement of your window is the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy bills. 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 addressed immediately before it gets any worse.

If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.

The most effective thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they remain in top condition.

A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may allow in too much cold air.

Another sign that the seals on your windows are failing is when you see moisture between the windows' glass. The moisture could be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane the inner aluminum spacer.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

Oft the more obscure issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from heavy rains, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to get into your home, causing mould, rot and insect infestation. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.

A window that is leaking or that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as is possible. Draughts can often be caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by a novice. The wall surrounding it may be in bad condition and should be repaired. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows moisture and air to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. No matter the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.