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 company can assist. window repairs should provide a free estimate and a guarantee for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Certain companies offer limited warranties that run out over some time.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time to get a new coat. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most effective paint application will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear from sun, rain and snow as well as regular use by you and others living in your home.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which could result in moisture issues. Insufficient caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it may get into the frame or sill and cause decay.
To fix a window that is peeling clean off all paint with a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a chemical or heat gun stripper to prevent damaging the frame of the window and glass. Paint the wood surface with an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of the window to be sure that there aren't any signs of rot or structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver on the bare wooden surface at this stage which can help prevent future problems such rot or mildew. This isn't always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stained windows are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more likely to occur in the winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause your home's interior air to become warmer and more humid.
There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Start by removing dust and dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner onto the surface of your glass and wipe it clean in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.
If the stains aren't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive approach. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to remove even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub and a product referred to as a magic eraser, that is similar in texture to sandpaper with a fine texture. Use these products according to the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps to get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the surface of your glass, which can be extremely 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 all types of weather and moisture which gradually deteriorates the wood frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. In many instances, if the damage goes unchecked, you will have to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you can save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to windows. They are round or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually appear close to the corners of windows. They can be caused by a variety of factors, like the absence of sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. It can develop in areas that have a lot of moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health problems because it creates spores.
If you discover that your window frames are beginning to rot it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases, rotting can go so that the drywall is sagging around the window frame. This can be a risky situation. In the meantime, look for other signs of a leaky window that can help you deal with the problem before it gets out of control. You can look for an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
When water gets in wooden window frames, it can encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family. If you see an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You might also observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The most effective method to determine if rot has occurred is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is firm and dense. Wood that is rotted is soft and mushy.
If your window frame made of wood is beginning to rot, use a hammer and chisel for removing the rotten area. It is crucial to perform this work in a safe way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you'll have to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're sensitive. These symptoms can be much worse if you have asthma.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than normal. This can cause additional problems such as leaks and degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
These two window components aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these features when you are choosing windows for your home to help you choose the best style for your house. The distinctions between the muntin and Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider used to divide the glass panes of a window. The term "muntin" is usually reserved for the inner pieces of a window while the frames that surround it are known as stiles and rails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their role as structural support elements have resulted in their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, since the walls on the outside of the early buildings were not able to support the weight of large pieces of glass. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while helping the glass stay in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins in the market today including those constructed between the glass and into the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.