Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.

Broken or cracked glass

If your window's glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a lot of factors, including the severity of the damage and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.

In most instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like an object from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.

Take out any windowsills that are still in its frame or on the floor. This is best done with high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.

After you have removed any glass shards Clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your household members not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned.

It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions which help support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts which can cause further issues for the windows.

Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely cause injury than jagged shards of traditional glass.

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, contact a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing windows and doors that are damaged from storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can help you decide whether an immediate fix is better than a full replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.

Wood rot on window frames can be ugly and can cause a variety of problems like mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To repair this problem, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion you can buy a kit at an hardware store or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to replace it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This can be harmful to your house's structure, your possessions, and even your family's health.

The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be due to a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.

If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only option. In accordance with your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If you find that your window seals are failing or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's important to fix the problem before it worsens.

Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to degrade over time, allowing humidity and air 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 main reason a window that has a leaky seal will begin to become smudged.

The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.

A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.

The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are failing. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

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 repair them if they're damaged. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.

While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture to enter the home, which can lead to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles or draughts when windows are closed or opened.

Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that let air through. window & door doctor & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing surrounding your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be completed by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and will need to be repaired. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly, it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. No matter the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.