So You've Bought Door Doctor ... Now What?

Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

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

Repair any rotting or loose casing as soon as you can. These are usually signs of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal expense.

Cracked or broken glass

If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a lot of factors, such as the severity of the crack and the cause, and what type of glass is used in your windows.

In the majority of instances, it's easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. It is important to identify the cause of the crack and take action quickly so that it doesn't get worse. This is particularly important for cracks caused by impact, like a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children.

Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window, you'll need to remove any pieces that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. This is done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release them.

Once you have removed the glass shards clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a proper way. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, shut the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until the broken glass pieces have been cleaned.

It's also recommended to inspect the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion could cause damage to these parts which can cause further problems for the windows.

Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass and shatters into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury than jagged fragments of glass that are typical.

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, get in touch with a professional window & door doctor to assist you with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are experts at fixing and replacing windows and doors damaged by storms, vandalism or other events. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix or more extensive window replacement.

Frame Damaged

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

The wood rot that is a part of the window frames is not only unsightly but can also trigger various issues like mold, fungus and pests that will affect your home's value as well as its health. To remedy this issue begin by removing any weatherstripping. Then, you can cut away the wood that is decaying using a saw or chisel. Once you have removed the damaged portion of the frame, you can use a kit sold online or in a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts that you need to repair it.

Cracks caused by moisture in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is especially crucial since North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to get into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.

Another common issue is difficulty opening or closing the window. This can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem may simply be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust that makes it harder 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 evidence of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's a good idea to consult with an expert, as the damage may be severe enough that full replacement of your window is the best or only option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals are the final layer of protection from air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and reduce energy bills. If you observe that your window seals are failing or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it's crucial to address the issue before it gets any worse.

The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned is held in place by an aluminum spacer and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The temperature cycling in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, the increased insulation value will be lost too. This is the main reason why a window that has a leaky seal will begin to get smoky.

The best option to take if you suspect that the window seals on your home are failing is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the life of your windows and ensure they are functioning optimally.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the signs that the window seal has failed particularly on a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that suddenly your energy bills are more expensive than usual It could be due to the fact that your windows are letting in more cold air.

Moisture between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture may be an invisible, thin line or it could be a long-lasting fog that is blocking your view of the outside. Moisture between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal failing and can be repaired by sealing the aluminum spacer inside with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and mullions, which are the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or fake. If they're damaged, window repair experts will usually repair them. 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 more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window seal replacement.

Often problems that are not obvious are often ignored. While the frame's condition can be evident due to the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues may not be as evident. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that covers the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This could lead to rot and mould. A sash cord that is damaged can also lead to draughts and rattles when windows are opened or closed.

Repairing a window that leaks or causes draughts can be costly, especially if water gets into the wall. It is essential to get any leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges on old windows or by badly designed windows that are letting air through. Window & Doors Doctor can repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is damaged, loose, damaged, cracked or missing, it's going to need to be replaced. This is not an undertaking that can be completed by an amateur. The wall surrounding it may be in bad shape and may require to be rebuilt. Casings that are loose are ugly but, more importantly, it allows moisture and air to get into the house which can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and will not need to be painted regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, all replacement casings should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.