How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the best window repair company can help. The company should offer a free estimate and a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Certain companies offer limited warranties that run out over some time.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time to apply an update. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based upon climate conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will wear down with age and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels due to natural wear and tear caused by the sun rain and snow as well as from regular use by you and other people within your home.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose bare wood and can cause moisture problems if not taken care of. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from the absence of caulking and a leaky window seal. If moisture is not addressed promptly, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To repair a peeling glass, remove all loose paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Examine the entire frame of the window to be sure that there are no signs of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood at this point to prevent future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, you will often encounter stains that resemble coffee or tea. These staining can be caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from inside your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more likely to happen in the winter months, since colder temperatures outside can cause your home's interior air to become warmer and more humid.
There are many ways to remove these unsightly stainings, without causing damage to your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. Then wet a clean, lint-free cloth with water, and apply your cleaner onto the surface of your glass, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat the process until you've removed the stain.
If the stain isn't gone, you might need to try a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most stubborn stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as the product known as Magic Eraser are all popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.
Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps to remove the minerals before they have the chance to scratch into the surface of your glass and become expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the best-sealed windows can experience water damage. This is because windows are exposed to all types of weather and moisture, which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major issues. In most instances, if the damage goes unchecked, you will need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on expensive repairs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to windows. They are round or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. They typically form around the corners of your window and are caused by a variety of factors, including the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold around the frame. Mold can grow in areas with excess humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is because mold creates spores that can affect your health and well-being.
If you discover that your window frames are beginning to rot, you'll need to contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting could extend to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which could be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other signs of a window that are leaky, which will allow you to address the issue before it gets out of hand. These include a musty odor that is caused by damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Rotted Frames
When water gets into wooden window frames it can encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family. If you see a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them.
It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It is also possible to observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best method to check for decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If your window frame made of wood is beginning to decay, employ a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. It is important to do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you should then apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand the wood down and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health problems. Molds can trigger symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. If you suffer from asthma, these symptoms can become much more severe.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's crucial to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This can cause additional problems, including leaks and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different functions. When it comes to choosing new windows, it's important to know the differences between these features so you can select the most appropriate style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin could have a an enormous impact on your window's appearance as well as its functionality and authenticity.
A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term "muntin" is typically reserved for the windows' inner frames while the frames that surround it are known as stiles and rails. It could be because of their similar alliterative sounds or their role as structural support elements has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were originally designed as a way to support large windows, as the walls that surrounded the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
Today, there are several types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned glass without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows come with both real and simulated muntins for a more customizable appearance.