Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the glass doctor COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.

Broken or cracked glass

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

In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, and act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by children.

Remove any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.

After you have removed the glass shards tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors 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 family members not to go in until the broken glass has 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 rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further issues for the windows.

Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny pieces of granular fragments that are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.

If you're not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or an extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be fixed quickly, other issues like frames that are rotting are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.

The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and can cause a variety of problems, including fungus and mold. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood using a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can purchase a kit at a hardware shop or online that includes all the required tools and components to replace it.

Another common problem that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because 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 lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.

Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt, which creates a problem for the window doctor near me sash or frame to move.

If your window frame displays obvious signs of damage following an incident, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs It's crucial to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.

If your windows are double glazing doctor near me pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be lost if it contained inert gases. This is the primary reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.

The most effective thing to do when you suspect the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.

A few indications that the window and door doctor seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation, your windows may allow in too much cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are failing is if you can see moisture between the glass of your windows. It could be thin, clear lines or it could be a permanent haze interfering with your view of the outside. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by resealing the aluminum spacer inside 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're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.

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

A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged cracking, rotting, cracked or missing entirely the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. It's not just unappealing but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.