How to Find a Window Repair Near You
Whether your home has vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can assist. The company should provide an estimate for free and a warranty for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after a period of time.
Paint chipped or peeling
If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a fresh coat. Well-applied interior paint will last 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most effective paint application will wear down as time passes and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from the sun, rain and snow.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which can result in moisture issues. Insufficient caulking or a loose seal can cause problems with moisture in wooden window frames. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a glass that is peeling, remove all loose paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of decay. Minor rot is usually repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply an impervious preserver to the wooden surface at this stage which can help avoid future problems like rot or mildew. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation, which happens when warm air inside your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more likely to occur in the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's interior air to become more humid and warmer.
There are several ways to remove these unsightly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free fabric with water and apply the cleaner to the surface of your glass, wiping it in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.
If the staining continues to persist then you might need to employ the more abrasive method. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners that can remove even the most difficult stains from your glass without damaging it. The most popular options are steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub, and a product known as a magic eraser, that is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the directions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure that you don't harm your glass.
Another method to prevent future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will help get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the glass's surface, which can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and moisture which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious problems. In most cases, if the issue is not checked, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the issue in its early stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water stains are the most common indication that your windows have suffered water damage. They are round or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually appear around the corners of your windows and are caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas of high moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll have to contact experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases it can go as that it causes drywall to shift around the window frame. This can be a risky situation. You can also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to catch the problem before it becomes 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 could encourage the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot isn't only unsightly, but it can also create health problems for you and 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 may be able to recognize a decayed window frame based on its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. You may also observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to test for rot is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is firm and dense. The wood that has been rotted is soft and soft.
If the frame of your window is rotting you can remove it with an Hammer. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're sensitive. These symptoms are more severe if you suffer from asthma.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This could lead to further problems like leaks or the deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two window components serve different functions. It is important to know the differences between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best design for your home. The distinctions between a muntin and a Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside windows. The frames that are outside are called stiles andrails. It's possible that their alliterative similarity or their function as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, since the walls on the outside of early structures were not able to support the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and multins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
Today, there are several types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. They can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins to give them a more customized appearance.