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Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to relocate.

Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are often an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired at the least amount of expense.

Broken or cracked glass

If your window's glass has cracked or shattered you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the break and the cause, and the type of glass that is used in your windows.

In the majority of instances, it's easier to repair a cracked window than replace it. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is especially important with fractures from impact, such as an object from the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.

Before you can fix damaged or cracked windows, you'll need to remove any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. Use a chisel or putty knife to gently remove any glaze that holds the pieces in position.

After you have removed the glass shards, tidy up the area and dispose of them in a proper manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling glass or mirror pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell members of your household not to go in until the broken glass is cleaned up.

It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust which can cause more problems with the windows.

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

If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call an experienced window and door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors that have been damaged by storms, vandalism, or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a larger window replacement.

Frame Damaged

It's not surprising that the window frame gets damaged. While some damages are cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others such as rotted frames are serious issues that must be addressed promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.

The rotting of wood around window frames is not only ugly, but it can also trigger a wide range of problems including fungus, mold, and pests that will affect the value of your home and its health. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged part of the frame, use a kit available online or at a hardware store that includes all the tools and components that you need to replace it.

Moisture-related cracks in window frames are another frequent problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause harm to the structure of your home and your belongings and even the health of your family.

Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing windows. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself might have suffered some form of structural damage that has impacted its ability to open and close properly.

If you have any visible indications of damage to the frame of your window after an incident, it's a good idea to consult an expert as the damage may be severe enough that replacement of the window is the best or only option. Based on the policy of your insurance, you may be eligible to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Seals that have been damaged

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

Whether your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass inside them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade over time, allowing air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulating value is lost as well. This is why windows with damaged seals can become foggy.

The best thing to do if you suspect that 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 with the recommended cleaner will extend their life and ensure they are in good condition.

A feeling of draftiness is a sign that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air out of your window. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without an explanation, your windows may be letting in too much cold air.

Another indication that the seals on your windows are deteriorating is if you can see moisture between the windows' glass.  the window doctor  can be a thin line of clear water or a long-lasting haze that blocks your view. The moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Damaged Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, can be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts are able to repair them. They will remove the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then replace any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. In many cases, this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.

Sometimes, the less obvious issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from excessive rain, snow melt, or humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture get into your home, leading to rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles and draughts when the windows are opened or closed.

A window that has a leak or that has caused draughts could be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. It is important to have any leaks fixed immediately after they are detected. Draughts can often be caused by the faulty hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without the need to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose or damaged, cracked or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be completed by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in poor condition and may require to be rebuilt. Loose casing is unattractive but, more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home which can reduce energy efficiency. The majority of home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Regardless of the material, all replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.