How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage single-paned wood windows. The company should offer an estimate free of charge as well as a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at different times.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
If the window frame paint begins to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last from 7 to 10 years, based on conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are a result of natural wear caused by rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose wood that is not sealed and may cause problems with moisture if not treated. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To repair a peeling window clean off all paint by using a scraper, or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Check the entire window frame to be sure that there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. In the majority of cases, minor rot can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point which can help prevent future problems such rot or mildew. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent issues that people face when cleaning their windows is stains that look like coffee or tea. These staining are caused by condensation that occurs when warm air from inside your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more prevalent in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are many methods to get rid of these ugly stain without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. Then, dampen the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner on the surface of your glass, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to employ the more abrasive method. There are many Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. Steel wool, rough green sponges and the product known as the magic eraser are popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This will help get rid of the minerals before they are able to penetrate the surface of your glass which can be very difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. In most cases, if the damage is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the problem in its earliest stage, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to windows. The stains are circular or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow shades. They usually appear near the corners of the window. They can be caused by many factors, including the absence of sun or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
Another indication that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold is evident in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly expand throughout your home if not addressed. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can impact your health and well-being.
If you discover that your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the frame of the window. This can be a risky situation. In the meantime, look for other indicators of a leaky window that can help you deal with the issue before it gets out of control. You could look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Frames that are rotten
If water is absorbed into wooden window frames it can encourage the growth of fungi that cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health problems for your family members. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, then it's likely time to replace the windows.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint will have peeled off the wood surface. The most effective method to determine if rot has occurred is by touching the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotted is soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using the help of a hammer. Do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging 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 down and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can lead to mildew or mold, which can trigger a variety of health problems. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms can be much worse if you suffer from asthma.
It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues, including leaks and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
These two windows are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these features when choosing new windows to ensure you pick the best style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin could have a a significant impact on the appearance of your window as well as its functionality and authenticity.
Essentially, a muntin is any type of vertical divider that separates the glass panes in windows. The term "muntin" is typically reserved for parts of the window that are inside while the frames that surround it are known as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative resemblances or their use as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were originally designed to provide additional support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to support the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to add decorative flair to the windows while helping the glass stay in the proper position. Today, mullions and multins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins that are available and some are constructed between the glass and the actual units. These can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, but without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins to give them a more customized appearance.