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 single-paned wood windows. The company should offer an estimate for free and a written guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at varying times.
Paint chipped or peeling
When your window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time to get an update. A properly applied interior paint can last between 5 and 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending on the climate. Even the most well-applied paint will wear down due to age and exposure the elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear and tear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not addressed. The problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture is not addressed in a timely manner the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a glass that is peeling, remove all loose paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand the rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. The wooden surface is primed with an oil-based primer which blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this stage, which helps to prevent future problems such rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, you will often come across stains that resemble tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation that occurs when warm air inside your home comes in 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 more humid and warm.
There are many ways to remove these unsightly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Start by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window, wiping it around and back. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the staining is still present, you may have to use a more abrasive method. There are a variety of Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. The most popular options are 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. Follow the directions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they scratch the surface. This can be very difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is because they are constantly exposed to all types of weather and humidity, which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious problems. If the issue isn't taken care of, you could need to replace your entire window frame. However, if you spot the issue in its earliest stage, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to your windows. The stains are circular or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow shades. These stains are usually found close to the corners of windows. They are caused by a variety of factors, including the absence of sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. Mold can grow in areas that have a lot of moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you notice your window frames are beginning to rot, you'll need to contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances, rotting can go so that it causes drywall to shift around the window frame. This could be a dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a window that are leaky, which can help you deal with the issue before it gets out of control. There is a musty smell that comes from damp wood, soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
When water gets into wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi which cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, then it's likely time to replace them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You may also notice that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The most effective method to test for rot is by touching the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Rotted wood is soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is rotting, you should employ a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. Do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been removed, you must apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood, and then apply several coats of wood sealer that are waterproof.
Rotted window frames may lead to mildew or mold, which can trigger various health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're sensitive. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms may become more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it's important to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could lead to additional issues, including leaks and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are frequently used interchangeably, the two window components serve different functions. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best style for your house. The distinctions between the muntin and the Mullion can have an enormous impact on the look and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames on the outside are called stiles andrails. It's possible that their alliterative similarity or their use as structural components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were created to support large windows since the walls that surrounded older buildings were unable to support the weight. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to stay in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are currently a variety of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, such as between-the-glass designs that are built into the actual glass units. These can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned windows without sacrificing energy efficiency.
