How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can assist. The company should provide an estimate for free and a guarantee on its work.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
When your window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually a sign it's time for a fresh coat. A properly applied interior paint can last 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years depending on the climate. Even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear from sun snow and rain, as well as regular use by you and other guests within your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could result in moisture issues. The problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not addressed promptly, water may seep into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling window remove any paint that is loose using a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the glass or timber frame. Paint the wood surface with an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver to the wooden surface at this point, which helps to prevent future problems such mildew or rot. This isn't always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people encounter when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that look like coffee or tea. These stained windows 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 prevalent in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
Fortunately, there are several different ways to get rid of those unsightly stained spots without damaging the window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After moistening a clean, lint free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it around and back. Repeat as necessary until you've removed all stains.
If your stains are not gone, you may need to try a more abrasive method. There are many abrasive cleaners that can remove even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. A few of the most popular options include steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub, and a product known as a magic eraser which has a similar texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.
Another way to avoid the formation of future hard water stains is to 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 very expensive and difficult to get rid of.
Water Damage
Even the most well-sealed windows can suffer water damage over time. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorating due to exposure to weather and moisture. The wood eventually begins to rot, causing serious problems. If the damage isn't addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the issue in its earliest stages, you can save costly repair costs.
Water staining is a typical indication of water damage to windows. The stains are circular or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white colors. They typically form near the corners of your window and are caused by a variety of issues such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. It can develop in areas with excess humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.
If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of decaying texture, you'll require the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances, the rotting may extend to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, look for other signs of a window that are leaky, which will help you address the issue before it gets out of hand. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Frames that are rotten
Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family members. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. You may also notice that the paint has slid off the wooden surface. The best method to test for decay is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood is hard and brittle. Rotted wood feels soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using a hammer. It is vital to do this in a secure manner to ensure that you do not damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, use wood filler on any cracks. Once the repair is completed you can sand the wood before applying several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
Window frames that are rotten can cause mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health problems. If you are sensitive to mold and mildew, you may be afflicted with symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms can be much more severe if you suffer from asthma.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's important to remember that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than normal. This could cause further issues including leaks, and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, the two window components serve different purposes. When you are choosing new windows, it is important to know the difference between these types of windows so you can choose the best style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a muntin could have a an impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term "muntin" is usually reserved for the windows' inner frames while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their function as structural support elements has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. They also served to give a stylish look to windows while allowing the glass to stay in place. Mullions and muntins serve an purely aesthetic function today.
There are many different types of muntins that are available and some are constructed between glass and into the actual units. These can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, but without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature both real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.