Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.

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

Cracked or broken glass

You may be wondering if it is possible to fix your broken or cracked window glass or do you need to replace it. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass used in your window.

In most cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than to replace it. The trick is to pinpoint the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.

Before you can fix a broken or cracked window frame repair, you'll need to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. Utilize a chisel or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces together.

After you have removed any shards of glass, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door, and inform your family members to not enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

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

If you're concerned about long-term damage, think about replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more robust than regular glass, and breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.

If you're not sure about tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it is damaged often. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as frames that are rotting are serious issues which must be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot around the windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can impact the value of your home and its health. To fix this problem, remove any weatherstripping before cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit sold online or in a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family members.

Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.

If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only or most effective option. You might be able to submit a claim to your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements.

Damaged Seals

Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If you observe 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 worsens.

Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is lost as well. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are operating at their best.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air.

The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals aren't working. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration crack that occurs when the window seal is damaged. It can be fixed by resealing with polyurethane 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 will usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire 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 sometimes overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to be introduced into the home, leading to mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are shut or opened.

A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially if the water leaks into a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing surrounding your window is sagging, cracked, fit rotten or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This reduces energy efficiency. The majority of home centers sell primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.