Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?

Repairs to windows and doors as well as maintenance benefit homeowners by reducing their energy costs, increasing security, and comfort. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to move.

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

Broken or cracked glass

If the glass in your windows is cracked or broken you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you should to buy a replacement. The answer is contingent on a variety of 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. It's important to determine what caused the crack, and act quickly so that it doesn't get any worse. This is especially important when it comes to impact breaks such as those caused by a lawnmowers or a ball for children.


Take out any pieces of the window that are still in its frame or on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glaze holding the pieces in place Use a putty knife or chisel, to gently break them.

Once you have removed any glass shards, carefully clean up the area and dispose of them in a safe manner. Always wear gloves that are protected and closed-toe shoes when dealing with mirrors or glass pieces as they are extremely sharp. It is also a good idea to cordon off the area, shut the door, and instruct your family members not to go in until the broken glass has been cleaned.

It is also a good idea to check the condition of the frame and muntins and mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because rust and corrosion can cause damage to these components which can cause further problems for windows.

If you're concerned about long-term damage to your window, you should think about replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury.

If you're not confident in tackling the task yourself or if it's more economical to replace your window or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are experts in repairing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms 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 a surprise that the window frame is damaged. glass doctor is cosmetic and can be repaired, but others like damaged frames may be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.

The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just unattractive, but it can also lead to many issues including fungus, mold, and pests that can affect the value of your home and its health. To remedy this issue, start by removing any weatherstripping and then cutting away the rotten wood by using a chisel or a saw. After you have removed the damaged part of the frame, you can use a kit sold online or at a hardware store that includes all the equipment and parts you require to repair it.

Another common issue that must be addressed is moisture-related cracks on the window frames. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels that could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture into your home. This could be detrimental to the structure of your home or your belongings, and even your family's health.

The difficulty of opening or closing the window is a common issue that can have several different reasons. The problem could be caused by a buildup of dirt or dust, which causes the frame or sash to move.

If you notice indications of damage to your window frame after an incident, it's best to consult an expert since the damage could be so severe that a complete replacement of the window is the best or only option. 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 provide the final layer of protection from moisture and air infiltration which can cause damage to windows. They also help maintain the temperature in the room and lower energy costs. If your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it's important to have the issue fixed immediately before it gets 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. As time passes, the constant temperature fluctuations in the Phoenix sun can cause this material to degrade, allowing humidity and air to enter between the panes. If the window was made of inert gas, its increased insulation value will be lost too. This is why a window that has broken seals will become brittle.

If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working you should follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It might seem like a simple task, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Regularly wiping your windows down using the cleaning agent recommended will extend the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.

A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that the window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. The cold air outside is pulling warm air from your window. If you notice that your energy bills are more expensive than normal, it could be because your windows are letting in more cold air.

The presence of moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals are failing. The moisture could be thin lines of clear water or a permanent haze that blocks your view. The condensation between the glass is a result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking and can be fixed by sealing the inner aluminum spacer with polyurethane.

Muntins and Mullions Damaged

Muntins and mullions, the wood strips that separate panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or fake. Window repair experts can fix them if damaged. They will remove all glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any muntins or mullias that are rotted or damaged. This is usually a less expensive solution than replacing an entire window.

While the damage to your window frame due to heavy rain, snow melt or humidity is obvious, less obvious issues are often ignored. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture to enter the home. This could lead to mould and rot. A broken sash cable can also cause draughts or rattles when the windows are shut or opened.

A window that is leaking or that has caused draughts could be expensive to repair particularly if the water leaks into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired as soon as they are detected. Draughts are often caused by faulty hinges in old windows, or poorly designed windows that let air in. Window & Door Doctor is able to fix leaks and draughts, without having to replace the entire window.

If the casing that surrounds your window is loose or cracked, rotting, or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall may be in disrepair and requires a new build too. The casing that is loose is ugly, but more importantly it allows moisture and air to get into the house which decreases the efficiency of energy. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more weather-resistant than wood, which will require painting frequently to ensure the quality of the product. All replacement casings must be painted with exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.