Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

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

Broken or cracked glass

If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can repair 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 you have in your window.

The majority times cracks or broken window can be fixed rather than replaced. The key is to determine what caused the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.

Remove any pieces of the window that remain in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel, to gently break them.

Once you have removed the glass shards take care to clean the area and dispose of them in a proper way. Wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes whenever you are working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, shut the door, and inform members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned up.

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

If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.

If you are not sure about tackling the job yourself or if it's more economical to have your window replaced, call a professional to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can help you decide whether a quick fix is better than a larger window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame is subject to lots of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.

The wood rot that is a part of the upvc window doctor frames is not only unattractive, but it can also cause a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect both your home's value as well as its health. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying with a chisel or saw. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the tools and components you require to replace it.

Another common problem that must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity that can cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.

Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that can have several different reasons. It could be caused by 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 affected its ability to open and close properly.

If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after an incident, it's a good idea that you consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a full replacement of your window could be the only alternative. Depending on your insurance policy you might be able to file a claim to cover any repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue addressed immediately before it gets any worse.

The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held together by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between two panes. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. If the window contained inert gas, its enhanced insulation value will be also lost. This is the primary reason why a window with broken seals will start to get smoky.

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, but it's something that most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition.

A few indications that the window seal is not working include a drafty sensation particularly on a cold winter day. This is due to the warm air inside 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 usual, it could be because your windows let in more cold air.

Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another indication that your seals are failing. This moisture can be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the door doctor 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 faux. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.

Often the more obscure issues are often ignored. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when windows are opened or closed.

A window that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are often caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or by poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is sagging, 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 disrepair and require a complete reconstruction too. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood, and will not require painting as often to maintain the glass doctor integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings must be painted with an exterior-grade paint.