How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company will assist you whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage wooden single-paned windows. The company should provide a free estimate and a guarantee for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Certain companies offer limited warranties that expire over a period of time.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time for a fresh coat. A properly applied interior paint can last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years based upon climate conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear and tear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint is a common way to expose bare wood and can cause moisture problems if not taken care of. Problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the absence of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint using a scraper or wire brush and sand to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the glass and frame of timber. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of rot. Minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point to help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that appear like tea or coffee. These stainings are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from the inside of your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are many ways to remove these ugly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. After soaking the clean, lint-free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it back and forth. Repeat the process until you have removed the stains.
If the stains aren't removed, you may have to take a more aggressive method. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners that can remove even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and a product dubbed the magic eraser are the most popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is another way 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 very expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to weather and moisture. The wood will eventually rot, causing serious problems. In most cases, if the issue is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the issue in its earliest stage, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. These stains are usually found near the corners of the window. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun or lack of it or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you find that your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should 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 very dangerous situation. You can also look for other signs that could indicate a window leak 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 crumbly or brittle texture.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot is not only unsightly, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If you see a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them instead of repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You might also notice that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best way to determine if rot has occurred is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels dense and firm. The wood that has been rotted feels soft and soft.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel to remove the rotten area. It is vital to do this in a secure manner to ensure that you do not damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After repair, you'll have to sand the wood and apply a variety of 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 a mold sensitivity, you will suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's important to remember that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This can cause additional problems including leaks, and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
The two components of a window aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these features when selecting new windows so that you can select the best style for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the Mullion can have an enormous impact on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin can be any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the frames that are inside windows. The outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their role as structural components have resulted in their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. They also could give a stylish look to windows while helping the glass remain in place. Today, mullions and multins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are many different types of muntins available today and some are constructed between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl, or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without losing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.