Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

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

Broken or cracked glass

You may be wondering if you can fix your broken or cracked window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.

Most times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get any worse. This is especially important in the case of fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.

Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear eye protection. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.

After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door and instruct your family members to not enter the door doctor room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

Examine the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows doctor.

If you're concerned about long-term damage, consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than sharp shards of traditional glass.

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it would be more economical 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 in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a larger window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it's damaged often. Some damages are cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The rotting of wood around window frames is not only ugly, but it can also cause a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that can affect both the value of your home and its health. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all of the tools and parts needed to repair it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.

Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing the window. This can be caused by several different factors. It could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.

If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only or most effective alternative. You may be able to make a claim through 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 infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any 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 sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing air and humidity to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.

The best option to take when you suspect your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.

A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on an icy winter day. This is because the window doctor warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.

Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area before re-building any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.

Oft problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.

Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing 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 a task that can be accomplished by an amateur. The wall around it could be in poor condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not require painting as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.