Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefits homeowners by reducing their energy costs while also increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without the need 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.

Cracked or Broken Glass

You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage and the type of glass you have in your window.

In the majority of cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The key is to determine the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly important when it comes to fractures caused by impact, such as those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.

Before you can take care of damaged or cracked windows You'll need to take out any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.

Once you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.

Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can cause damage to these components which can cause further issues for the windows.

If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with temperate glass. Tempered glass is more durable than normal glass and breaks into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.

If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task on your own or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by vandalism, storms or other occurrences. They can also help you decide between a quick fix or an comprehensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged at times. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.

The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also trigger many issues like mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value and health. To remedy this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of an online kit or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and parts that you need to replace it.

Another common problem that should be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is especially important 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 to seep into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.

Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of factors. It could be caused by 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 exhibits obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of the window is the only or most effective option. Depending on your insurance policy you may be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals provide the final layer of protection against air and moisture that can damage windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's essential to fix the issue before it gets worse.

The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are double glazing doctor-paned or single-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunshine can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the reason windows with broken seals can become foggy.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.

A feeling of draftiness is a sign that your window seal is failing especially on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are higher than usual It could be due to the fact that your windows are letting in more cold air.

The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are not working. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they are damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. In many instances, this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

Often the more obscure issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be apparent from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the window frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles or draughts when windows are closed or opened.

A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be costly to repair, especially when the water seeps into a wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired when they are discovered. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without replacing the entire window.