How to Find a Window Repair Near You
Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can help. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a warranty for the work it does.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire over some time.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip, it's usually a sign it's time to get a new coat. A properly applied interior paint can last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. However, even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear and tear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could cause moisture issues. Problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the absence of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not treated in a timely manner the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling window remove any paint that is loose using a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. In the majority of cases, minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point which can help prevent future problems such mildew or rot. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common issues that people face when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stainings are caused by condensation that occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more likely to occur during the winter months, since colder temperatures outside can cause your home's interior air to become more humid and warmer.
There are a variety of ways to remove these ugly stain without harming the blinds and window sills. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the window's surface by wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the stains aren't gone, you might need to consider a more abrasive approach. There are many Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. A few of the most popular options include steel wool rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser, which is similar in texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is another way to prevent future stains from hard water. This helps to remove the minerals before they are able to penetrate the glass's surface and become difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The frames made of wood slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually will rot and cause serious problems. In most cases, if the issue is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is the most typical sign that your windows have experienced water damage. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually form near the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. Mold grows in areas that have excess humidity, and can quickly expand throughout your home if it is not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you notice your window frames have begun to rot it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances it can go as that it causes drywall to shift around the window frame. This can be a risky situation. In the meantime, you should look for other signs of a leaky window that will allow you to address the issue before it gets out of hand. There is a musty smell that is caused by damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't just visually unattractive, but it can cause health issues for you and your family. If you notice a significant amount of rotten wood around your windows, it is likely that it is time to replace them rather than repair them.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has slid off the wood surface. The best method to test for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood is soft and mushy.
If your window frame made of wood is beginning to decay, employ a hammer and chisel for removing the rotten area. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you can apply wood filler to fix any cracks. Once the repair is completed you can sand the wood, and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms can be much worse if you suffer from asthma.
It is important to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the repaired splice will permit more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause additional problems like leaks or the deterioration of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. When you are choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the difference between these types of windows so you can pick the ideal design for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin may have a significant impact on your window's style functionality, as well as historical authenticity.
A muntin could be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of a window. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for windows' inner frames while the outer frames are referred to as stiles or rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their function as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were originally designed to add support to large windows, as the walls on the outside of early buildings were unable to bear the weight of large sections of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins serve an purely aesthetic function today.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be constructed of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins to give them a more personalized appearance.