How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the right window repair company can help. The company should offer an estimate free of charge and a guarantee on the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at different times.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use can last from 7 to 10 years, based on conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear from the sun, rain and snow.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose wood that is not sealed and may cause issues with moisture if it is not addressed. Problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can get into the frame or sill and cause rot.
To repair a peeling glass clean off all paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using the heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid causing damage to the frame and glass. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of rot. Minor rot can usually be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point, to help keep from future problems like rot or mildew. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These streaks result from condensation, that occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more likely to occur during the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's interior air to become warmer and more humid.
There are several ways to remove these ugly stainings, without causing damage to your window sills and blinds. Start by removing dust and dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then you should dampen the clean, lint-free cloth with water, and apply your cleaner to the surface of your glass, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If your stains are not removed, you may have 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. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and the product known as Magic Eraser are all well-known alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid future stains from hard water. This will help remove the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the glass's surface and become difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The wooden frames slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. In most cases, if the issue is not checked, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on expensive 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 color. They usually form around the corners of your windows and are caused by a variety of factors that include the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. Mold grows in areas that are prone to moisture, and it can quickly expand throughout your home if not addressed. Mold can cause health issues due to the fact that it produces spores.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll have to contact experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances, rotting can go so that it causes drywall to shift around the frame of the window. This could be a dangerous situation. It is also possible to search for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes out of hand. These include a musty odor that comes from damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't just ugly, but it could cause health issues for your family and you. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them rather than repair them.
You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. It is also possible that paint has slid away from the wooden surface. The best way to test for decay is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotted is soft and soft.
If the frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using the help of a hammer. It is crucial to do this in a safe manner to ensure that you do not damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you'll have to sand the wood down and apply several wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which could lead to a number of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're sensitive. If you have asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is important to remember that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This can lead to additional issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, the two window components serve different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows to ensure you pick the best style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a muntin can have an impact on the appearance of your window as well as its functionality and authenticity.
A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of a window. The term "muntin" is typically reserved for the windows' inner frames and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles or rails. It is possible that their alliterative resemblances or their function as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the walls on the outside of early structures were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to remain in the proper position. Muntins and mullions serve only a decorative function.
There are a variety of muntins in the market today including those built between the glass and into the actual units. They can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned windows without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins in order to give them a more personalized appearance.