How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can help. The company should offer an estimate for free and a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that run out over some time.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
If your window frame paint starts to chip or peel It is the perfect time to apply a fresh coat. Well-applied interior paint will last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint peels and chips due to wear and tear from the sun, snow and rain and also from regular use by you and other people within your home.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which could lead to moisture problems. The problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture isn't addressed promptly, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
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 instructions if you are using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame of the window and glass. Paint the wood surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Check the entire window frame to ensure that there aren't any signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point which can help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common issues that people face when cleaning their windows is stains that appear like tea or coffee. These stains are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more likely to occur during the winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause your home's interior air to become warmer and more humid.
Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of those unsightly stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing any dirt or dust build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. After moistening a clean, lint free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the window's surface, wiping it around and back. Repeat until the stains have been removed.
If the staining continues to persist, you may have to employ an even more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to remove even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass. A few of the most popular options include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges, and a product known as a magic eraser, which is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
Another way to avoid the formation of future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel. This helps to remove the minerals before they have a chance to etch into the surface of your glass and become difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. The wooden frames slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually rot, causing serious problems. If the issue isn't taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the problem in its early stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water staining is the most typical sign that your windows have suffered water damage. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They usually appear close to the corners of your windows and are caused by a variety of factors such as the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold on the frame. It can develop in areas with excess moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health problems due to the fact that it produces spores.
If you notice your window frames are beginning to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting might extend to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, look for other signs of a leaky window that will help you address the issue before it gets out of hand. You can look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.
Frames that are rotten
Water can cause wood to decay when it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot is not only ugly, but it could also create health problems for you and your family. If there is a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely that it is time to replace them instead of repair them.
It is possible to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint will have peeled away from the wooden surface. The best method to test for rot is by touching the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotted feels soft and soft.
If your window frame made of wood is rotting, you should use a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. It is vital to do this in a safe way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood, and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
The decay of window frames can result in mildew or even mold, which can lead to numerous health issues. If you are sensitive to mold, you will be afflicted with symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be worse if you have asthma.
It is important to remember that when rotten wood is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues including leaks, and the degrading of the window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound alike and are frequently used interchangeably, the two window components serve different purposes. It is important to know the differences between these features when selecting new windows so that you can select the best style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin could have a an enormous impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider that divides the glass panes of windows. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The frames on the outside are known as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative resemblances or their function as structural support components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, since the outer walls of early structures were not able to support the weight of large pieces of glass. They were also able to give a stylish look to windows while helping the glass remain in its place. Mullions and muntins have an purely aesthetic function today.
There are currently a variety of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. These can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without losing energy efficiency. Some windows come with both real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.