Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance of windows and doors and repair can benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to move.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.

Broken or cracked glass

If your window glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.

In most cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than to replace it. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and quickly act to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.

Take out any windowsills that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. This is best done with heavy duty work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that is holding the pieces in place.

Once you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and instruct your family members not to go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.

It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust 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 breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.

If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. colonial window repair and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that have been damaged by vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues which must be dealt with promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot around the window frames is not just unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues such as mold, fungus and pests that could affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood using a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged section of the frame, you can use an online kit or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components that you need to replace it.

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

Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.

If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame following an incident, it's a good idea seek advice from an expert since the damage could be severe enough that full replacement of the window is the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.

Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, the increased insulation value is also lost. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to fog.

The most effective thing to do should you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This might seem like a simple task, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.

A few indications that the window seal has failed are a feeling of draftiness, especially on an icy winter day. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the wooden window Repair by the cold air outside. Also, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice water between the window's glass. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outside. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the colonial window repair seal fails. It can be fixed by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, could be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.

While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are open or closed.

A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through walls. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are discovered. Draughts can often be caused by faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that are letting air in. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This isn't necessarily an easy task for a novice, as the surrounding wall could be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt as well. It's not just ugly however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood and will not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a high-quality exterior paint.