Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as possible. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.

Cracked or broken glass

If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.

Most of the time cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.

Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.

After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors because 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 pieces of glass have been cleaned.

It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for the windows.

If you're worried about long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass doctor and breaks into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than sharp pieces of glass.

If you are not confident enough to tackle the job yourself or you think it would be more economical to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other events. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame is subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it is damaged from time to time. While some of the damage is cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot around the window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, make use of a kit available online or in a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to replace it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause damage to the window doctors structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family members.

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

If you see signs of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, because the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If you notice that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse.

The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the main reason why windows with broken seals will start to fog.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.

A feeling of draftiness is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation Your windows could allow in too much cold air.

Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.

Oft the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For instance, a crack in the glass doctor drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, leading to mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A broken sash cord can cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.

Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window doctors.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and should be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home which decreases the efficiency of energy. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they requires painting regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings should be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.