Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door maintenance and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to move.

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.

Cracked or broken glass

You might be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on a lot of aspects, such as the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.

In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.

Remove any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in place.

Once you have removed any glass shards Make sure you clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the window doctors door, and tell members of your household not to be allowed to enter 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. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion which can cause further problems with the windows.

If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should consider replacing the window with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.

If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame endures 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 easily repaired, while others such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The rotting of wood around windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also trigger many issues such as mold, fungus and pests that can affect your home's value and health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at an hardware store or online that comes with all the tools and parts needed to replace it.

Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.

Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be caused by 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 open and close properly.

If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or most effective alternative. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy costs it's essential to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets worse.

No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the glass to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it contained inert gases. This is why windows with broken seals can become foggy.

If you suspect that the window seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and keep them in top condition.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. Also, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.

Another sign that the seals on your windows 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 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 it can usually be repaired by sealing the window doctor spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

Sometimes problems that are not obvious are overlooked. While damage to your frame can be evident from heavy rains snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as apparent. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable could also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are shut or opened.

Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can cost a lot particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows, or from poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without replacing the entire window.

If the Door doctor casing around your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by an amateur. The surrounding wall may be in bad shape and should be rebuilt. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or pvc doctor near me products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, but they requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the window doctor near me product. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.