Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with the least amount of expense.

Cracked or broken glass

If the glass in your windows has broken or cracked, you're probably wondering whether you can repair it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

In most instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like 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 heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.

After you have removed any glass shards Clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, close the door, and instruct your household members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned up.

Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for windows.

Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.

If you are not confident enough to tackle the task on your own, or it is more efficient to replace your window contact a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door and window doctor doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

It's not surprising that windows frame gets damaged. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot on windows can be unattractive and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the rotten wooden using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame part, you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.

Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed immediately. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can cause harm to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.

Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of factors. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which creates a problem for the frame or sash to move.

If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only or most effective alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals are the last layer of protection against 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 you notice that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.

If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. 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. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulating value is also lost. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.

If you believe that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.

The signs that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.

Another sign that the seals on your windows are breaking down is when you see moisture in the window's glass. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be fake or real. Window repair experts can repair them if damaged. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper option 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 metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause rot and mould. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.

Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive, especially if water gets into the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. The casing that is loose is ugly however, it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.