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 best window repair service can help. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a guarantee on 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 has peeled or chipped
If the paint on your window frame begins to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. Well-applied interior paint will last about 5 to 10 years indoors, and exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years depending on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint peels and chips due to natural wear and tear from the sun, rain and snow and also from regular use by you and other people living in your home.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which can result in moisture issues. The problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or an unsound window seal. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling window, remove all loose paint with a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the glass or timber frame. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Inspect the entire window frame to be sure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver to the wooden surface at this stage, which helps to prevent future problems such rot or mildew. However, 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 staining are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more prevalent in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become humid and warmer.
Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of these unsightly stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner to the glass's surface and wipe it clean in an in-between motion. Repeat until you have removed the streaks.
If the staining continues to persist then you might need to resort to a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available that can help remove even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool, rough green sponges and a product dubbed Magic Eraser are all popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can scratch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot, causing serious problems. If the damage isn't treated, you may have to replace your entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you can save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to windows. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually appear close to the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes, including the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another indication that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. Mold grows in areas that have excess moisture, and it can quickly expand throughout your home if it is not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues due to the fact that it produces spores.
If you discover that your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting might be so severe that it could make the drywall sag around the frame, which could be a very dangerous situation. You can also search for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes a major issue. This could be a musty smell that is caused by damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Frames that are rotten
Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family members. If there is a large amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely time to replace them, rather than repair them.
You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, as the wood will look soft and discolored. You might also observe that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. However, the best way to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotted is soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is rotting, you should employ a hammer or chisel to get rid of the decayed area. Do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you'll have to sand the wood down and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can cause mildew and mold, which could lead to a number of health problems. Molds can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.
It is important to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the repaired splice will permit more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could cause additional problems like leaks or the deterioration of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. It's important to understand the distinctions between these types of windows when you are choosing windows for your home to ensure you pick the best style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin may have an impact on your window's appearance as well as its functionality and authenticity.
A muntin could be any vertical divider used to divide 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 components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows because the walls that surrounded older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to remain in its place. Today, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including styles with between-the-glass that are integrated into actual glass units. These can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with both simulated and real muntins to give a more customized appearance.