How to Find a Window Repair Near You
Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should offer a free estimate and a guarantee on its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at varying times.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the window frame paint begins to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a new coat. A properly applied interior paint can last 5 to 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. But even the most effective paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint peels and chips due to wear and tear from sun snow and rain, as well as from regular use by you and other guests within your home.
Peeling paint often exposes the wood's surface and can lead to moisture problems if not addressed. Problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from a lack of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly it can get into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling glass remove all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the glass and frame of timber. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Take a look at the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of rot. In most cases minor rot can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this stage which can help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people encounter when cleaning their windows is stains that look like coffee or tea. These stainings are caused by condensation, that occurs when warm air from inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more prevalent in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become humid and warmer.
Luckily, there are many different ways to get rid of these stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. After moistening the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner on the window's surface by wiping it back and forth. Repeat as necessary until you've removed the stain.
If the staining continues to persist then you might need to resort to the more abrasive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most stubborn stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and a product dubbed a magic eraser are all well-known alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Use these products according to the directions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to get rid of.
Water Damage
Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is due to the fact that windows are exposed to all types of weather and moisture which slowly deteriorates the wooden frames. window repairs begins to rot, causing serious problems. In many cases, if the issue goes unchecked, you will have to replace the entire window frame. However, if you spot the issue in its earliest stages, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white colors. They usually form near the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes, including the absence of sunlight or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that have a lot of moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you don't address it. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.
If you find that your window frames have begun to show signs of rotting texture, you will require experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances, the rotting may extend to sag the drywall around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a leaking window that will help you address the problem before it gets out of control. This could be a musty smell that is a result of damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family. If there is a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely time to replace them instead of repair them.
You might be able to identify a rotted window frame by its appearance, as the wood will look soft and discolored. You might also notice that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best way to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using a Hammer. It is essential that you do this in a safe way so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand down the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can cause mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you are sensitive. These symptoms can be much worse if you have asthma.
It is crucial to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than normal. This could lead to further problems like leaks or the deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. When you are choosing new windows, it's important to know the differences between these two features so that you can choose the best design for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and mullion can have a significant effect on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of a window. However, the term muntin is usually reserved for the windows' inner frames while the outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarity or their role as structural support components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were originally designed to provide additional support to large windows, as the outer walls of the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They also could provide a decorative touch to windows, while assisting the glass to remain in place. Muntins and mullions serve only a decorative function.
There are many different types of muntins in the market today including those constructed between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.