Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.

Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at little expense.

Cracked or Broken Glass

You may be wondering whether you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.

In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The trick is to figure out the cause of the crack and quickly act to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for a child.

Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove them.

Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and tell your family members to not go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

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

Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.

If you're not confident enough to tackle the task yourself, or it is more economical to replace your window, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. window glass repair & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other accidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix and an comprehensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame endures many years of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it's damaged from time to time. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as rotted frames can be serious and need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. These can affect your home's health and value. To remedy this issue, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the tools and parts needed to repair it.

Another common issue that must be addressed is the 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. When wood cracks it allows moisture to get into your home, which can cause damage to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.

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

If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full window replacement might be the only or most effective option. You may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of repairs or replacements.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reducing energy costs. So, if your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.

The glass in your windows, regardless of 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. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with broken seals will start to become smudged.

If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may allow in too much cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are deteriorating is when you see moisture between the window's glass. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias 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 may be obvious, the less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal Window repair that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.

A wooden window repair that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair particularly when the water seeps into a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. Casings that are loose are ugly however it allows moisture and air to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.