Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without the need to relocate.

Exterior casings that are loose or rotting must be repaired as quickly as is possible. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion, and can be repaired at minimal cost.

Broken or cracked glass

If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.

Most times cracked or damaged window can be repaired instead of replacing it. It is crucial to identify the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get worse. This is especially crucial when it comes to break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for a child.

Remove any window pieces that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break the pieces.

Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door doctor near me, and inform members of your household not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.

Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that hold the glass pane. These components can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more problems with the windows.

Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.

If you are not confident in tackling the task on your own, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame goes through lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like rotted frames can be serious and need to be dealt with immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.

Wood rot around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. This can negatively impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, use an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to replace it.

Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are a common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. 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. If 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.

Inability to open or close the window is another common problem that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which causes the sash or frame to move.

If you notice signs of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best or only option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it worsens.

If your windows are single or double glazing doctor pane, the glass in them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to break down in time which allows air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will fog.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.

A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed particularly on an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out through the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or faux. If they're damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are damaged or rotted. This is usually a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.

While the damage to your window's frame from heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the door doctor window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can cause draughts and rattles when the window is opened or closed.

A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to repair particularly in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is crucial to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air in. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows air and moisture to enter the house. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more resistant to weather than wood and will not need to be painted frequently to maintain their integrity. No matter the material, all replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.