Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have been renovating their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enhance their living conditions without having to relocate.

The exterior casing that is loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at minimal cost.

Cracked or broken glass

If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of aspects, such as the severity of the damage and the cause and what kind of glass is used in your windows.

The majority of the time cracked or damaged childproof window repair can be repaired instead of replacing it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack and take action promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly crucial with cracks caused by impact, like a rock from the lawn mower or a ball thrown by the children.

Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or on the ground. This is best done with sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces together.

Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them appropriately. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with mirrors or glass, since they can be extremely sharp. You can also cordon off an area, close the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts and cause problems for the windows.

Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller granular pieces which are less likely to break than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.

If you're not comfortable tackling the task on your own or if it would be more cost effective to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of 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

It's not surprising that windows frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be fixed easily, others like damaged frames are serious problems which must be dealt with promptly to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot on windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame portion, you can purchase an entire kit from an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it.

Another common issue that must be addressed is the moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because 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 allows moisture into your home. This can be damaging to your house's structure as well as your possessions and even your family's health.

The difficulty of opening or closing the window is another common problem that could have different causes. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.

If you see signs of damage to your window frame after a storm, then it's a good idea consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration, which could damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level and reduce energy costs. So, 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.

Whether your windows are single or double pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum window repair spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to enter between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.

If you suspect that the window seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious, however, many homeowners neglect this step. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong 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 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 your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are breaking down is when you see moisture between the glass of your windows. The moisture could be a thin line of clear water or a permanent cloud that blocks your view. The moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be corrected by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or fake. If they're damaged window screen replacement repair experts will usually fix them. They will remove all the glass clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire hurricane-proof window repair.

While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that is placed on top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A sash cord that is damaged can also cause draughts or rattles when windows are opened or closed.

A window that is leaking or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair, especially if the water leaks into walls. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as is possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Doors Doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. It is not only unsightly, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Most home centers sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. No matter the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.