How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair service can help. The company should provide a free estimate as well as a guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at varying dates.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If your window frame paint begins to chip or peel It is the perfect time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most well-applied paint will wear down with age and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint can expose wood that is not sealed and may cause issues with moisture if it is not addressed. Problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from the absence of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a peeling glass remove all paint using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer if you are using a heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. Prime the bare wood with a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there are no signs of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood at this point, to help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently encounter stains that look like tea or coffee. These stainings result from condensation, which occurs when warm air from inside of your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more prevalent in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are a variety of ways to remove these ugly stain without harming the blinds and window sills. Start by removing dust and dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the surface of your window then wipe it around and back. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.
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 stain without damaging or scratching 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 sandpaper with a fine texture. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't harm your glass.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a different way to avoid future stains from hard water. This will help remove the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the surface of your glass and become expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The wooden frames slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually begins to rot and cause serious issues. In a majority of cases, if the issue is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on expensive repairs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to your windows. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They are typically found 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 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 humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you notice your window frames are rotting, you'll need to contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting may go so that it causes drywall to shift around the window frame. This could be a dangerous 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 hand. You could look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family members. If there is a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely that it is time to replace them instead of repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotted window frame based on its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint has peeled off the wood surface. The best way to test for decay is to feel the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid feels firm and solid. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can get it removed using a hammer. You must do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you can use wood filler to repair any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can lead to mildew or mold, which can lead to a variety of health problems. If you are sensitive to molds and mildew, you may experience symptoms such as stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms are more severe if you suffer from asthma.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This could cause additional issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different purposes. When it comes to choosing new windows, it is important to know the differences between these types of windows so you can choose the best style for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the mullion can have a significant impact on the look, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
In essence, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider used to separate the glass panes within windows. The term"muntin" is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames on the outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be that they have similar alliterative sounding names or their role as structural support elements have led to their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was 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 sections of glass. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins have only a decorative function.
There are a variety of muntins in the market today including those built between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be constructed of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins in order to give them a more personalized appearance.