How to Find a Window Repair Near You
Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should offer an estimate free of charge and a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after some time.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time to apply an update. A properly applied interior paint can last about 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint often exposes wood that is not sealed and may cause issues with moisture if it is not addressed. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can get into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.
To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure that there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. Most of the time minor rot can be repaired with a good quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the wooden surface at this stage which can help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent issues that people face when cleaning their windows is stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stains are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more likely to happen in the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's indoor air to become warmer and more humid.
There are several ways to remove these unsightly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber fabric or non-scratch sponge. After soaking the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner to the window's surface, wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until you've removed all streaks.
If the stains still persist, you may have to resort to an even more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to remove even the most stubborn stain without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool, rough green sponges and the product known as the magic eraser are well-known alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure you don't harm your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid future stains from hard water. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. This is because windows are exposed to all types of weather and moisture, which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. The wood eventually begins to rot, causing serious problems. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to your windows. These stains are circular or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually form around the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes that include a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas of high humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and well-being.
If you find that your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances it can go as that the drywall is sagging around the frame of the window. This could be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should be looking for other indicators of a leaking window that will allow you to address the problem before it becomes out of control. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to decay when it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't only unsightly, but it can cause health issues for you and your family. If you see a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, it's time to replace them.
It is possible to identify a rotten 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 check for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to decay, employ a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health problems. If you are a mold sensitivity and mildew, you may experience symptoms such as stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms can become much more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than normal. This could lead to additional issues such as leaks and deterioration of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different purposes. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows so that you can select the best style 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 is any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The frames on the outside are called stiles andrails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their function as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were made to support large windows as the outer walls of older buildings were unable to support the weight. Mullions and 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 types of muntins for windows, such as between-the-glass designs 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 windows, but without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have both real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.