Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add value and improve their living conditions without having to move.

Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at minimal cost.

Broken or cracked glass

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

In most instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, and then act promptly to prevent it from continuing to get any worse. This is particularly important for fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the kids.

Before you can fix a broken or cracked window it is necessary to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves made for heavy-duty work and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to remove any glaze that holds the pieces in place.

Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and instruct members of your household not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.

It is also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame as well as muntins and mullions that help support the glass pane. These components could be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause further problems with the windows.

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

If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own, or it is more cost-effective to have your window replaced contact a professional to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or more comprehensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

The window frame endures lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it gets damaged often. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only unsightly but can also lead to many issues like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the necessary tools and parts to repair it.

Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as is possible. This is especially important since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family members.

Difficulty opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different causes. The issue could be caused by a buildup in dust or dirt which makes it difficult for the sash or frame to move.

If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete replacement of your window could be the only option. In accordance with your insurance policy you may be able to file an insurance claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.

Seals that are damaged

upvc window doctor seals offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in maintaining an ideal temperature inside and help reduce energy costs. If you notice that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.

If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. In time, the cycle of temperature in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost as well. This is the reason a window that has broken seals will become brittle.

If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It might seem like a simple task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows regularly with the cleaning agent you have recommended will help to extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them functioning optimally.

A drafty feeling is a sign that the window seal has failed particularly on the cold winter days. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than usual, it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.

The presence of moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a permanent haze that interferes with your view. The moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass may be fake or real. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually fix them. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious problems are often overlooked. For example, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, causing mould, rot and insect infestation. A damaged sash cord could also cause draughts or rattles when windows are open or closed.

Repairing windows that leak or creates draughts is expensive particularly if water seeps into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks fixed as soon as they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or from poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose cracking, rotting, cracked or completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This is not necessarily a job for an amateur as the wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build too. It's not just ugly however, it also allows air and moisture to enter the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to replace it with pre-painted wood exterior casing found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. All replacement casings need to be painted with exterior quality paint, regardless of the material.