How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service will assist you whether your home has energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, or old wooden single-paned windows. The company should provide an estimate for free and a warranty for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at different times.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip It is the perfect time to apply a fresh coat. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last 5 to 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based on the climate. Even the best-applied paint will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear and tear caused by rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose bare wood and can cause problems with moisture if not addressed. The problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with quickly, it can be absorbed into the frame or sill and cause decay.
To repair a peeling window remove any paint that is loose using a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire window frame to ensure that there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying an impervious preserver to the wooden surface at this stage, which helps to prevent future problems such mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people encounter when cleaning their windows is stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stainings are caused by condensation which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more prevalent in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become warmer and humid.
Fortunately, there are several different ways to get rid of these unsightly stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust and dirt using a non-scratch cloth. After moistening the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner on the surface of your window by wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the stains aren't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most stubborn stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser, which has a similar texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the label when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is another way to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps to remove the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is because windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture, which slowly degrades the wood frames. The wood will eventually rot and cause serious problems. In most cases, if the issue is not addressed, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water stains are a common sign of water damage to windows. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They usually appear near the corners of your window and can be caused by a variety of factors that include the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is a further indication of water damage. 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. Mold can cause health issues due to the fact that it produces spores.
If you notice your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances it can go as far as to sag drywall around the frame of the window. This can be a very dangerous situation. You can also look for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. These include a musty odor that is a result of damp wood, soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family members. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely time to replace them instead of repair them.
You might be able to recognize a decayed window frame based on its appearance, as the wood will look soft and discolored. You may also notice that the paint has peeled off the wood surface. However, the best way to check for rot is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid feels dense and firm. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel for removing the rotten area. You must do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand the wood down and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames may cause mildew or mold, which can lead to various health issues. If you are sensitive to molds and mildew, you may experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms are more severe if you suffer from asthma.
It is important to remember that when rotten wood is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues, including leaks and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
These two window components are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. It is important to know the distinctions between these features when you are choosing windows for your home to help you choose the best style for your house. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have a significant impact on your window's style functionality, as well as historical authenticity.
Essentially, a muntin is a vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The frames that are outside are known as stiles and rails. It could be that their alliterative sounds are similar or their function as structural support elements has resulted in their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to provide additional support to large windows, as the outer walls of early structures were not able to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows, while assisting the glass to stay in place. Mullions and muntins have an purely aesthetic function today.
There are a variety of types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. These can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without losing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins to give them a more customized appearance.