How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company will help you whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or single-paned wood windows. The company should provide an estimate for free and a warranty for the work it does.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a new coat. A properly applied interior paint can last between 5 and 10 years indoors. While exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. But even the most effective paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels because of wear and tear from the sun rain and snow and also from regular use by you and other guests within your home.
Peeling paint often exposes wood that is not sealed and may cause problems with moisture if not addressed. Insufficient caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture is not addressed promptly it can get into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To repair a glass that is peeling remove all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a chemical or heat gun stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. The wooden surface is primed with an oil-based primer which blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there aren't any signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the bare wood at this point to prevent future problems such as mildew or rot. 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 stained windows can be caused by condensation that occurs when warm air from inside your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more prevalent during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become humid and warmer.
There are a variety of different methods for getting rid of these unsightly stained spots without damaging the window sills or blinds. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up with a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After soaking a clean, lint free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window, wiping it back and forth. Repeat as necessary until you have removed the stains.
If the stain isn't gone, you may need to try a more abrasive method. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most difficult stains from your glass without harming it. A few of the most popular options include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges, and a product known 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 ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is to wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps to remove the minerals before they have the chance to etch into the glass's surface, which can be extremely expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is due to the fact that windows are constantly exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture which slowly degrades the wooden frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot, causing serious problems. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Water stains are a common indication of water damage to windows. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. They usually form around the corners of your window and can be caused by a variety of issues that include the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
window repairs of mold around the window frame is another sign of water damage. It can develop in areas of high moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll require experts to repair the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting might go as far as to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. It is also possible to look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to identify the issue before it gets out-of-hand. This could be a musty smell that comes from damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Rotted Frames
If water is absorbed into wooden window frames it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health problems for your family members. If you notice 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 will appear soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. The most effective method to check for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using an hammer. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can trigger mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. If you are sensitive to mold, you will experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma the symptoms may become more severe.
It is important to keep in mind that when rotten wood is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than normal. This could cause further issues including leaks, and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, these two windows have different purposes. When you are choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the difference between these features so you can select the most appropriate style for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the mullion can have a significant effect on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
Essentially, a muntin is a vertical divider that divides the glass panes in windows. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural support components have led to their interchangeability.
Originally, mullions were created to support large windows as the outer walls of older buildings were not able to support the weight. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and multins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, without losing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.