Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door maintenance and repair can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their living conditions without having to move.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be fixed at a minimal cost.

Broken or cracked glass

You might be wondering whether you can 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.

Most times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. The trick is to determine what caused the crack and quickly act so it doesn't worsen. This is particularly crucial with impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.

Take out any window pieces that are still within its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves and wear eye protection. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove the pieces.

After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and instruct members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.

Check the frame, muntins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components and cause issues for 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 can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.

If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the job yourself or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you choose between a quick fix and an extensive window replacement project.

Frame Damaged

The window frame endures many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it is damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, while others such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.

Wood rot on windows can be unattractive and cause many issues like mold and fungus. These can affect the health of your home and its value. To fix this problem take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood by using a chisel, or saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy the kit at an hardware store or cheap online that comes with all the required tools and components to replace it.

Moisture-related cracks in the window frames are another frequent issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. This is important because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This can be harmful to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even your family's health.

Another issue that is common is difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by several different factors. It could be due to the accumulation of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has affected its ability to open and close properly.

If you have any visible evidence of damage to your window frame after a storm window repair, then it's a good idea to consult an expert because the damage could be severe enough that window replacement would be the best or only option. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration that could damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. If your window seal is beginning to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill It's crucial to get the issue fixed immediately before it gets any worse.

If your windows are double pane or single 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. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value is lost as well. This is the main reason a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.

The best thing to do if you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer but it's a step that many homeowners overlook. Regularly wiping your windows down with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.

A few indications that the window seal has failed include a drafty sensation, especially on the cold winter days. 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 suddenly your energy bills are higher than normal, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice moisture between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually fix them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape off the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. In many instances this is a cheaper option than replacing the entire hopper window repair.

While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain snow melt, humidity or even heavy rain is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable may also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.

A window sealing that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into the wall. Any leaks should be repaired promptly. Draughts are usually caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or from poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window air leakage repair.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be accomplished by an amateur. The wall around it could be in bad shape and should be repaired. It is not only unsightly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.