How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows, or old wood single-paned windows. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time to apply an update. Well-applied interior paint will last about 5 to 10 years indoors, while 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 because of wear and tear caused by the sun, rain and snow as well as from regular use by you and other people within your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could result in moisture issues. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it may get into the sill or frame and cause decay.
To fix a peeling window, remove all loose paint using a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass or timber frame. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Take a look at the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of decay. Most of the time small rots can be treated with good quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point, to help prevent future problems such as rot or mildew. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These staining are caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. 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 methods to get rid of these ugly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Begin by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then wet a clean, lint-free cloth with water, and apply your cleaner to the glass's surface by wiping it with an in-between motion. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.
If the staining is still present it is possible to resort to the more abrasive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most stubborn stains without scratching or damaging your glass. A few of the most popular options include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser which is similar in texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the label when using any of these products to ensure that you do not damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is a second option to prevent future hard-water stains. This will help remove the minerals before they are able to penetrate the glass's surface which can be very expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The wood frames are slowly degrading due to constant exposure to weather and moisture. The wood eventually will rot and cause serious problems. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is the most typical indication that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are brown, yellow, and white in color. These stains are usually found near the corners of windows. They can be caused by many factors, including a lack or sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. Mold grows in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if it is not addressed. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and well-being.
If you find that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll require experts to repair the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting might extend to sag the drywall around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other indicators of a leaking window that will allow you to address the problem before it gets out of control. You can detect the smell of musty damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and can cause health issues for your family members. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.
You may be able to identify a rotted window frame based on its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint has peeled off the wood surface. However, the best way to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is firm and dense. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, employ a hammer and chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is crucial to do this in a secure manner so that you do not damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several waterproof wood sealer coats.
Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which could cause a variety of health issues. If you are sensitive to mold you might experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, these symptoms can become much more severe.
It is crucial to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues such as leaks and degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, the two windows have different purposes. When it comes to choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the difference between these types of windows so you can choose the best style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a muntin could have a a significant impact on the appearance of your window functionality, as well as historical authenticity.
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 that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components have resulted in their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to stay in its place. Muntins and mullions serve a purely aesthetic purpose today.
There are many different types of muntins in the market today and some are constructed between the glass and the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have both real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.