Unless you live in a bank vault, chances are better than average that the windows and doors in your home are going to deteriorate from the ravages of aging and weather. You can extend the life of your home by performing routine maintenance and minor window and door repairs when they're needed. But eventually, despite the use of hardy, superior materials, you'll need to evaluate the decay and dwindling performance of your windows and doors with an eye toward major repairs or replacement

Windows and doors show their own particular failings. But it's easy enough to generalize the symptoms common to both. You'll immediately notice the poor appearance, poor or damaged operating ability, air leaks and drafts, increase of noise pollution and higher energy bills when your windows and doors need attention. Bringing in an expert for a free estimate won't hurt at this juncture. You need to know whether you're looking at a simple repair or complete installation of a replacement window or door.

Doors are subject to damage as your home settles over time. Humidity often causes doors to warp or swell until they stick in the frame. Doors bind and jam, and hinge pins can either come undone or freeze solid. If you have an outdoor gasket and vinyl sweep, these decay as well, and air seeps through into the home. Installing energy-efficient weather stripping can often help.

For a door that sticks, you might perform a simple fix with the help of a sander or planer. But if your door is badly warped, there's simply no amount of repair or tweaking you can do to forestall the inevitable complete replacement.

Windows have their own way of crying uncle. Frames can rot or soften, frost and ice can build-up. Seals or caulking materials inevitably fail. Windows slip tracks, bind up or freeze in their frames. It may work to prop a window open for a while with a stick, but eventually a burglar may find out about it.

If poor performance, safety and energy-consumption issues plague your home,look for help. Check to see that the professional is licensed and insured. Make sure that the company offers certified, energy-compliant windows and doors for installation, and that all the products carry warrantees. Even if you choose not to work with the professional that evaluates your home, you'll at least have a better idea of how to budget the work.