Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance can benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs as well as increasing security and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve living conditions without having to move.

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

Broken or cracked glass

You might be wondering if you can repair your cracked or broken window glass or if you should replace it. The answer depends on many factors including the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.

The majority of the time cracks or broken window can be repaired instead of replacing it. The trick is to pinpoint what caused the crack and then act swiftly to prevent it from getting worse. This is especially crucial in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by lawnmowers or a ball for children.

Before you can take care of a cracked or broken window it is necessary to remove any pieces that are still in the frame or on the ground. This should be done while wearing high-quality work gloves and protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently remove the pieces.

After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe way. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors because they can be extremely sharp. You can also secure an area, close the door and instruct your family members not to enter the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.

It's also an excellent idea to examine the condition of the frame and muntins or mullions that support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by corrosion and rust and could cause more problems with the windows.

Replace the window if you are concerned about long-term damage. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and it can break into smaller pieces that are less likely than shards that are jagged to cause injury.

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more cost-effective to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to help with repairs or replacement. Window and Door Doctors are experts at repair and replacement of windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can also assist you to determine between a quick fix and a more extensive window replacement project.

Frame Damaged

It's not a surprise that the window frame is damaged. While some damage is cosmetic and can be corrected easily, others like frames that are rotting are serious issues that must be addressed immediately to avoid more costly repairs or replacement costs.

Wood rot around the window frames is not onls aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse.

No matter if your windows are a single or double glazing doctor pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The temperature cycling in the Phoenix sun can cause the material to degrade in time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. The window's increased insulation will also be lost if it is filled with inert gases. This is the primary reason why windows with broken seals will start to become smudged.

If you think that the seals on your windows are failing it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. It might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook this step. Cleaning your windows regularly with whatever cleaning agent is suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them operating at their best.

A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing, especially during a cold winter's day. This is because the warm air in your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your electricity bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation the windows could let in too much cold air.

The presence of water between the windows' glass panes is another sign that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that blocks your view. Moisture between the glass is a 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.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, may be real or faux. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove all glass clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins which are rotted or damaged. In many instances this is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.

While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity may be obvious, the less obvious problems are often overlooked. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, causing rot, mould and even an infestation of insects. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.

A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair, especially in the event that the water leaks through a wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or poorly designed windows that allow air through. Window & Doors doctor window can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing around your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or is completely missing it must be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and need to be rebuilt too. It's not just unappealing but also allows moisture and air to enter the house. This can reduce energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casing or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and requires painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. Whatever the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a paint that is designed for exterior use.