Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Window and door repair and maintenance 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 their living condition without the need to relocate.

Repair any damaged or loose casing as soon as you can. These are typically signs of moisture damage and can be fixed with little expense.

Broken or cracked glass

If your window glass is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you'll need to invest in a new replacement. The answer depends on many factors such as the severity of the break and the type of glass you have in your window.

In most instances, it's easier to repair a damaged window than replace it. The key is to figure out the cause of the crack and then act swiftly so it doesn't worsen. This is especially important in the case of impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmower or a ball for children.

Take out any windowsills that are still within its frame or on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that holds the pieces in position.

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

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

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

If you're not comfortable tackling the job yourself, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, contact a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & Door Doctors are skilled in repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other incidents. They can help you decide whether it is more efficient to fix the problem quickly than a full replacement.

Damaged Frame


The window frame goes through lots of wear and tear, so it's no surprise that it's damaged at times. Some of the damage is cosmetic and easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames may be more serious and must be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

The rotted wood around window frames can be unsightly and can cause a variety of problems such as mold and fungus. These can affect your home's health and value. To address this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged frame, you can purchase the kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the necessary tools and parts to repair it.

Another issue that is commonly encountered and must be addressed is cracks caused by moisture on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that can cause wood to swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks, it lets moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home, your possessions, and even your family's health.

The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a different issue that could have different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which makes it difficult for the frame or sash to move.

If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. The damage may be so extensive that a complete window replacement might be the only alternative. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover repair or replacement costs.

Damaged window doctors Links to an external site. offer the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration that can damage windows. They also aid in helping to keep an ideal temperature inside and reducing 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 gets worse.

If your windows are double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer inside and polyurethane, sandwiching the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in the Phoenix sun can cause the glass to degrade in time, allowing humidity and air to pass through the panes. The window's increased insulation is also diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason windows with damaged seals will become brittle.

The most effective thing to do if you suspect that your window seals are failing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something many homeowners overlook. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will extend their life and ensure that they remain in top condition.

A drafty feeling is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed especially on the cold winter days. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out of the window by the cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual without any explanation the windows could be letting in too much cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are deteriorating is if you can see water between the glass of your windows. This moisture may be a thin, clear line or it could be a permanent cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. Moisture between the glass is the result of an infiltration gap caused by the window seal breaking and can 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 could be real or fake. If they're damaged window repair experts can usually repair them. They will take out all the glass, clean and scrape the area, before rebuilding any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. This is often a cheaper option than replacing the entire window.

While the damage to your window frame from heavy rain, snow melt or humidity can be obvious, less-obvious issues are sometimes overlooked. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that protects the top of the frame) can allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A broken sash cord can cause draughts and rattles when windows are shut or opened.

A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be costly to repair particularly if the water leaks into walls. It is important to have any leaks repaired when they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air through. Window and Door Doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loosened, cracked, rotting or completely missing the casing will need to be replaced. This isn't a task that can be accomplished by a non-professional. The wall surrounding it may be in bad condition and should be repaired. It's not just unappealing, but it also allows air and moisture to get into the home. This decreases the efficiency of the home. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will need to be repainted regularly to maintain the integrity of the product. No matter the material, all replacement casing should be treated with a paint that is designed for exterior use.