Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes in the COVID-19 epidemic to add value and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate.

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

Cracked or Broken Glass

If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you’re probably wondering whether you can repair it or whether you need to invest in a new replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass used in your window.

Most times, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to become worse. This is particularly important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a child’s ball.

Before double glazing doctor can repair a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing heavy duty work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife or chisel to gently release the pieces.

Once you have removed any shards of glass Make sure you clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, close the door and tell your family members not to go into the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that hold the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts and cause issues for the windows.

If you’re worried about the long-term damage, think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces which are less likely to break than jagged shards to cause injury.

If you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also help you decide between a quick fix and more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it’s not a surprise that it is damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like rotted frames can be serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

Wood rot around the window frames is not only unattractive, but it can also lead to various issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both the value of your home and its health. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood by using a chisel, or saw. After you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you require to replace it.

Another common problem that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could 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 your house’s structure as well as your possessions and even your family’s health.

Inability to open or close the window is a common issue that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.

If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total window replacement might be the only alternative. In accordance with your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals provide the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage 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 a sudden increase in your energy costs, it’s important to have the problem fixed right away before it gets worse.

The glass in your windows, whether they are single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. The constant temperature fluctuations in Phoenix’s sunshine can cause the material to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulating value is also lost. This is the reason windows with broken seals will become brittle.

The most effective thing to do when you suspect your window seals aren’t working is to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. It might seem like a simple task, but it’s something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and keep them working at their peak.

A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that your window seal is failing, especially during the cold winter days. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn 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 sign that your window seals are breaking down is if you can see moisture in the windows’ glass. It could be an invisible, thin line or it could be a constant fog that is blocking your view of the outdoors. The cause of moisture in glass is by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal fails. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be fake or real. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, then rebuild any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.

While the damage to your window’s frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are often ignored. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece made of steel that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture to get into your home, causing mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can 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. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing surrounding your window is damaged, loose, cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn’t necessarily an easy task for a novice because the wall could be in a state of disrepair and require a complete reconstruction also. It’s not just unappealing however, it also allows moisture and air to enter the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. It is possible to replace it with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting frequently to maintain their integrity. All replacement casings must be painted using exterior grade paint, irrespective of the material.