Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy bills as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to add value to their home and improve their living conditions without the need to move.

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

Broken or cracked glass

You may be wondering whether you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or whether you should replace it. The answer will depend on many factors, including the severity of the damage, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

In most cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than replace it. The trick is to figure out what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.

Take out any window pieces that remain in its frame or on the floor. Wear heavy duty work gloves, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together, use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.

After 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 dealing with mirrors or glass pieces because they can be extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and inform members of your household not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned.

It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions which are used to 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 you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injuries.

If you are not confident in tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced contact a professional to assist 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 assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a more extensive window doctor replacement.

Damaged Frame

It's not a surprise that the window frame gets damaged. Some damage is cosmetic and can be easily repaired, but others like damaged frames could be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not just unsightly but can also lead to many issues like mold, fungus and pests that will impact your home's value as well as its health. To address this issue take off any weatherstripping prior to cutting off the rotten wood with a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use an online kit or in a hardware store that comes with all the tools and parts you need to repair it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and needs to be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and expand as it absorbs or 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.

Another common problem is difficulty opening or closing the window. This is caused by a variety of factors. It could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it harder for the sash to move, or the frame itself may have suffered some kind of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.

If you notice signs of damage to your window frame following a storm, then it's best to seek advice from an expert as the damage may be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best option or only choice. Based on the policy of your insurance you might be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Seals that are damaged

Window seals are the last layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which could damage windows. They also help to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce energy bills. If you observe that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens.

No matter if your windows doctor are a double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, which sandwich the two panes of tempered or annealed glass doctor near me. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sunlight can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to pass through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value is also lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will fog.

If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners fail to take this step. Cleaning your windows using the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition.

A few indications that the window seal is not working are a feeling of draftiness particularly on a cold winter day. The cold air outside is dragging warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason Your windows could let in too much cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are breaking down is if you notice moisture in the glass of your windows. It could be an elongated line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that interferes with your view. The condensation 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 aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

The strips of wood used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts will usually repair them. They will take the glass, clean and scrape the area, and then replace any rotted or split muntins or mullions. In many cases this is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

Sometimes problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident due to the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. For instance, a slit in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture enter the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A broken sash cable can also cause rattles and draughts when windows are shut or opened.

A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to fix particularly if the water leaks into the wall. The leaks must be fixed promptly. Draughts are often caused by the faulty hinges on old windows, or because of poorly constructed windows that allow air through. Window & Door upvc doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose or damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. The casing that is loose is ugly but, more importantly it allows moisture and air to get into the house, which reduces energy efficiency. Home centers typically sell primed wood exterior casings, or low-maintenance pvc doctor near me or vinyl products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, and will require painting frequently to ensure the integrity of the product. Whatever the material used, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.