Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 epidemic to increase their value and improve their living conditions without the need to move.

Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with minimal cost.

Cracked or broken glass

You might be wondering whether you can repair the crack or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer is contingent on many factors, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and what type of glass is used in your windows.

In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a damaged window than replace it. The trick is to determine the cause of the crack and act quickly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the kids.

Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break the pieces.

After you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean the area and dispose of them properly. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform your household members not to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.

It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can damage these components, which could cause further problems for windows.

Replace the window if are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into tiny granular pieces that are less likely cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.

If you are not sure about tackling the task yourself or you think it would be more economical to have your window replaced, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

The window frame goes through many years of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, while others such as rotted frames can be serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

Wood rot on windows can be unattractive and cause many issues such as mold and fungus. They can impact the health of your home as well as its value. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged section of the frame, use a kit available online or in a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you require to repair it.

Another common issue that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the 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.

Inability to open or close the window is a different issue that can have several different reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dirt or dust, which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.

If you see indications of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea to consult an expert since the damage could be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. You may be able to make a claim through your insurance company to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals are the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reducing energy bills. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bill, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.

The glass in your windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane that is sandwiched between the two panes. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, the increased insulating value is also lost. This is the primary reason why windows that has a leaky seal will begin to fog.

The best option to take should you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.

A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are failing is if you can see water between the windows' glass. The moisture could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be fixed by sealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass could be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if they're damaged. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are damaged or rotted. In many instances, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.

Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as evident. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) can allow moisture be introduced into the home, leading to mold, rot, and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when the window glass repair is opened or closed.

Repairing a window that leaks or creates draughts is expensive and can be costly, particularly if water is leaking into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be completed by a novice. The surrounding wall may be in poor condition and should be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl Window repair or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.