How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair service can help. The company should provide a free estimate and a written guarantee for the work it does.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Others have 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 a sign it's time to apply a fresh coat. Well-applied interior paint will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint may last about 7 to 10 years depending upon climate conditions. Even the most effective paint application will begin to fade with age and exposure to elements. Paint peels and chips due to wear and tear from sun, snow and rain, as well as regular use by you and other guests living in your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which can lead to moisture problems. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture is not addressed promptly it can get into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a glass that is peeling remove all paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using a chemical or heat gun stripper to avoid causing damage to the glass and timber frame. Prime the wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Check the entire window frame to ensure there are no signs of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point to keep from future problems like mildew or rot. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These stains can be caused by condensation which occurs when warm air inside your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more common in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging your window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber fabric or a non-scratch sponge. After dampening the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner to the window's surface then wipe it around and back. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the stains still persist it is possible to employ the more abrasive method. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners which can take even the toughest stains from your glass without harming it. Steel wool, rough green sponges and a product called Magic Eraser are all the most popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
Another way to avoid the formation of future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will help remove the minerals before they are able to scratch into the surface of your glass which can be very difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. This is because windows are constantly exposed to all types of weather and moisture, which gradually deteriorates the wood frames. The wood eventually begins to decay and cause serious problems. If the damage is not treated, you may have to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on expensive repairs.
Water staining is the most typical sign that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots in yellow, brown and white colors. They typically form near the corners of your windows and are caused by a variety of factors that include the absence of sunlight or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that have a lot of humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. Mold can cause health problems because it creates spores.
If you notice your window frames have begun to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases it can go as that the drywall is sagging around the window frame. This could be a very dangerous situation. You should also look for other signs that could indicate a window leak to spot the issue before it gets out-of-hand. These include a musty odor that is a result of damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are rotten
When water seeps into wooden window frames it can promote the growth of fungi which cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health problems for your family members. If there is a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it is 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 slid off the wood surface. The best way to check for decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels dense and firm. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can remove it with a Hammer. Do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you should then apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which could cause a variety of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you are sensitive. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms may become more severe.
It is crucial to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than is normal. This could lead to further problems like leaks or degradation of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. When you are choosing new windows, it's important to understand the distinction between these two features so that you can pick the ideal design for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin could have a a significant impact on your window's style as well as its functionality and authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider that separates the glass panes in a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The outer frames are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be that they have similar alliterative sounding names or their function as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.
Originally, mullions were made to support large windows because the walls on the outside of older buildings were unable to support the weight. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate windows while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins serve only a decorative function.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including styles with between-the-glass which are built into actual glass units. These can be made from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.