How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can assist. The company should provide a free estimate and a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at varying dates.
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. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending upon climate conditions. Even the best-applied paint will deteriorate as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear caused by the sun, snow and rain as well as from regular use by you and other guests in your home.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose the wood's surface and can lead to moisture problems if not treated. Problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling window remove any paint that is loose with a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using a chemical or heat gun stripper to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Take a look at the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of rot. Minor rot can be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver on the bare wooden surface at this point which can help avoid future problems like rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that look like tea or coffee. These staining can be caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.
There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stainings, without causing damage to your blinds or window sills. Begin by removing dust or dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free fabric with water, and apply your cleaner on the glass's surface, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining continues to persist, you may have to employ an even more abrasive approach. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. 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 that is very fine. 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 paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and expensive to get rid of.
Water Damage
Even the most well-sealed windows can suffer water damage over time. The wooden frames slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to weather and moisture. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious problems. In a majority of cases, if the issue goes unchecked, you will have to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its earliest stage, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to windows. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow, and white in color. They are typically found close to the corners of the window. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as sun or lack of it or a buildup in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is another sign of water damage. Mold can grow in areas of high moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health problems because it creates spores.
If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of rotting texture, you will require experts to repair the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting may go so that it causes drywall to shift around the window frame. This can be a dangerous situation. You should also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. There is a musty smell that is a result of damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Frames that are Rotted
When water gets into wooden window frames, it could encourage the growth of fungi that cause wood to rot. Wood rot isn't only unsightly, but it can cause health problems for your family and you. If there is a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them rather than repair them.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint will have peeled off the wood surface. The most effective method to test for rot is by touching the wood. Solid, healthy wood is hard and brittle. Wood that is rotted is soft and soft.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using a Hammer. Do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can cause mildew and mold, which can result in a variety of health issues. If you are sensitive to molds and mildew, you may be afflicted with symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma the symptoms may become more severe.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it's important to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This could lead to further problems such as leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
These two windows are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is crucial to know the differences between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin could have a an enormous impact on your window's appearance functionality, as well as historical authenticity.
A muntin is a vertical divider that divides the glass panes of windows. The term "muntin" is typically reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to provide additional support to large windows, since the walls on the outside of the early buildings were not able to bear the weight of large sections of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate windows while keeping the glass in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are many different types of muntins available today, including those that are constructed between the glass and the actual units. These can be made from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.