How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the right window repair company can help. The company should offer an estimate for free and a warranty for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire over some time.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the window frame paint starts to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. A properly applied interior paint can last between 5 and 10 years indoors, while exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels as a result of natural wear from the sun, rain and snow.
Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not taken care of. A lack of caulking or a leaky seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't dealt with quickly, it can get into the sill or frame and cause rot.
To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using the heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid causing damage to the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure that there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the wood surface that is bare at this stage, which helps to keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that look like coffee or tea. These stains are caused by condensation that occurs when warm air inside your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are a variety of different ways to get rid of those unsightly stainings without harming the window sills or blinds. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch cloth. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water, and apply your cleaner to the glass's surface by wiping it with an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the stain isn't removed, you may have to consider a more abrasive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool, rough green sponges and a product called a magic eraser are all well-known choices. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure you don't damage your glass.
Another way to avoid the formation of future hard water stains is by regularly wiping 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 difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and moisture which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. In many instances, if the damage is not addressed, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its early stages, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water staining is the most frequent sign that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots that appear in yellow, brown and white shades. They usually appear near the corners of the window. They can be caused by many factors, like a lack or sun or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
Another sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. Mold can grow in areas that have a lot of moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you find that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll have to contact the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting might go as far as to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which can be extremely dangerous. You can also look for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to identify the issue before it gets out-of-hand. You can look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
When water seeps into wooden window frames it could encourage the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health problems for your family. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it is likely that you need to replace them instead of repair them.
It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has slid off the wooden surface. However, the best way to determine if there is decay is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is rotting you can take it off with the help of a Hammer. It is crucial to perform this work in a safe manner to ensure that you don't damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, you can use wood filler to repair any cracks. After repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which can result in a variety of health problems. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you are sensitive. If you have asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.
It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This can cause additional problems, including leaks and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. It is important to know the differences between these features when you are choosing windows for your home to help you choose the best style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have a significant impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames that are outside are known as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their role as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows since the outer walls of older buildings were not able to support the weight. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned windows without losing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins in order to give them a more personalized appearance.