How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the right window repair company can help. The company should offer an estimate for free and a written guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at varying times.
Paint chipped or peeling
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel It is the perfect time to apply a new coat. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last 5 to 10 years indoors, and exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years based on the climate. However, even the most well-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which can result in moisture issues. Insufficient caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner it can get into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To repair a glass that is peeling remove all paint using a scraper or wire brush and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines if you are using a chemical or heat gun stripper to avoid causing damage to the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. In most cases small rots can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point, to help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation which occurs when warm air inside your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This is more likely to happen in the winter months, since colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's interior air to get more humid and warmer.
There are a variety of ways to remove these ugly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Begin by removing any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber fabric or non-scratch spongy. After moistening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, place your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it around and back. Repeat as necessary until you have removed the stains.
If the stains still persist then you might need to employ an even more abrasive approach. There are many Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. The most popular options are 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 instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Even the most well-sealed windows can suffer water damage over time. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to weather and moisture. In time, the wood will begin to rot and cause major issues. In a majority of instances, if the damage goes unchecked, you will have to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Water staining is the most frequent indication that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. They are typically found close to the corners of windows. They are caused by a variety of factors, like the absence of sun or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas with excessive humidity, and can quickly expand throughout your home if not addressed. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.
If you notice your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some cases, the rotting may go as far as to make the drywall sag around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. You can also look for other signs that indicate a leaky window to catch the problem before it becomes a major issue. There is a musty smell that is caused by damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
If water is absorbed into wooden window frames it could encourage the growth of fungi that can cause wood to turn brown. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health problems for your family. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely time to replace them, rather than repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has peeled away from the wooden surface. The best method to test for rot is to feel the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can remove it with the help of a hammer. It is essential that you do this in a secure way so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
The decay of window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're sensitive. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms can become much more severe.
It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture into the frame than normal. This could lead to additional issues, including leaks and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound alike and are frequently used interchangeably, the two components of windows serve different functions. It is important to know the distinctions between these features when selecting new windows so that you can select the most appropriate style for your home. The distinctions between a muntin and a mullion can have a significant effect on the appearance and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider that separates the glass panes within a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The frames that are outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their use as structural support components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were initially designed to provide additional support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. They also served to give a stylish look to windows while helping the glass stay in its place. Muntins and mullions serve only a decorative function.
There are a variety of varieties of muntins for windows, including styles with between-the-glass that are built into the actual glass units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned window without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with fake and real muntins to give them a more personalized appearance.