Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Maintenance and repair of windows and doors. repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase their value and improve their living conditions without having to relocate.

Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture intrusion and are able to be fixed at a minimal cost.

Cracked or Broken Glass

If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.

In most cases, it is easier to repair a damaged window than to replace it. It is important to determine what caused the crack and take action swiftly to ensure that the crack doesn't get any worse. This is particularly important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.

Remove any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or on the floor. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glass holding the pieces in place, use a putty knife 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 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 recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and inform your household members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned up.

Examine the frame, muntins and mullions that support the glass pane. These components can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to more issues with the windows.

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

If you're not sure if you're able to tackle the task on your own or if it will be more cost effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor windows to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other incidents. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement.

Damaged Frame

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

The rotted wood around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues, including fungus and mold. They can impact the health of your home and its value. To fix this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or saw. After you have removed the damaged frame portion, you can purchase the kit at a hardware shop or online that comes with all the required tools and components to repair it.

Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. 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 seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.

Another issue that is common is the difficulty in opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust that makes it harder for the sash to move or the frame could have suffered some type of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close.

If your window frame exhibits visible signs of damage after a storm it is recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only or most effective alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture which can cause damage to windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.

Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass in them is held by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of tempered or annealed glass. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause this material to break down, allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its enhanced insulation value is also lost. This is the main reason a window with a damaged seal can begin to become smudged.

The most effective thing to do when you suspect your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. It may seem like a no-brainer however, it's something many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will help to extend the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak.

A feeling of draftiness is a sign that your window seal is failing particularly on a cold winter's day. The cold air outside is pulling the warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could allow in too much cold air.

Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is another indication that your seals are not working. It could be thin lines of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration gap 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

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

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 cap made of metal that covers the top of the 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 doctors that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair, especially when the water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed when they are detected. Draughts are often caused by defective hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Doors upvc doctor can fix leaks and draughts, without replacing the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotten or missing, it will have to be replaced. This is not a job that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall around it could be in poor condition and should be repaired. Casings that are loose are ugly however, it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers, or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weather-resistant than wood, which will need to be repainted frequently to preserve the integrity of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casing should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.