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 as well as a guarantee for the work they do.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that run out over a period of time.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually a sign that it's time to get a fresh coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on climate. But even the most effective paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint peels and chips due to natural wear and tear from the sun, snow and rain as well as regular use by you and others living in your home.
Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not taken care of. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture is not treated promptly it can get into the frame or sill and cause rot or mold.
To repair a peeling glass, remove all loose paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand the rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and frame of timber. Prime the bare wood with a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.
Examine the entire frame of the window to be sure that there aren't any signs of rot or structural damage. In most cases, minor rot can be treated with high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this point, which helps to avoid future problems like mildew or rot. This isn't always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common issues that people face when cleaning their windows is stains that appear like tea or coffee. These stains are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are several ways to remove these ugly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Start by removing dust or dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner to the surface of your glass by wiping it with the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat as necessary until you've removed the stains.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to use an even more abrasive approach. There are many abrasive cleaners that can remove even the most tough stains off your glass without harming it. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as a product dubbed Magic Eraser are all the most popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another way to avoid future hard water stains is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they etch the surface. This can be very difficult and costly to get rid of.
Water Damage
Over time, even most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to your windows. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are yellow, brown, and white in color. These stains are usually found in the corners of the window. They can be caused by many things, such as a lack or sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. Mold grows in areas that are prone to moisture, and it can quickly expand throughout your home if it is not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues because it creates spores.
If window repairs notice your window frames are beginning to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting could go as far as to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. You should also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to catch the problem before it becomes out of hand. You can look for an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
When water seeps in wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If you notice a significant amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them, rather than repair them.
It is possible to recognize a decayed window frame based on its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. You might also observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to check for rot is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can take it off with a hammer. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, you must apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair, you'll have to sand the wood down and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which could lead to a number of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're sensitive. If you have asthma, these symptoms can become much more severe.
It is crucial to remember that when rotten wood is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than normal. This can lead to additional problems such as leaks and the deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
The two components of a window are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. When it comes to selecting new windows, it is important to know the difference between these two features so that you can pick the ideal style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin could have a an enormous impact on the appearance of your window, functionality, and historical authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider used to separate the glass panes within a window. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their role as structural support elements has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were originally designed to provide additional support to large windows, since the outer walls of early buildings were unable to support the weight of large sections of glass. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows, while assisting the glass to remain in place. Mullions and muntins have only a decorative function.
There are currently a variety of 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 wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned windows, but without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins to create a more unique appearance.
