How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the best window repair company can help. The business should provide a free estimate and a written guarantee for the work they do.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at various 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 an update. Interior paint that's well applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, based on conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels due to wear and tear from the sun snow and rain as well as from regular use by you and others in your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which can lead to moisture problems. Problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with quickly, it can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot.
To repair a peeling glass clean off all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using the heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid causing damage to the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wooden surface using an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Check the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this point to help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stainings are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from inside of your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more likely to happen in the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's indoor air to get warmer and more humid.
There are a variety of different ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging the window sills or blinds. Begin by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch cloth. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the window's surface, wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.
If the stains aren't gone, you might need to consider a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most stubborn stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and the product known as the magic eraser are well-known choices. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage 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 etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually will rot and cause serious issues. In many cases, if the issue goes unchecked, you will need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you spot the problem in its earliest stages, you can save expensive repair costs.
Water staining is the most frequent sign that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in yellow, brown and white shades. They usually appear around the corners of your window and are caused by a variety of issues, including a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. It can develop 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 produces spores.
If you notice your window frames are beginning to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting might extend to sag the drywall around the frame, which could be extremely dangerous. In the meantime, you should look for other signs of a leaking window that can help you deal with the problem before it gets out of control. You can look for an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to rot when it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't just ugly, but it could cause health problems for your family and you. If there is a large amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has slid off the wood surface. However, the best way to determine if there is rot is to touch 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 rotting you can take it off with an hammer. It is vital to do this in a safe manner so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood, and then apply several waterproof wood sealer coats.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew and mold, which could cause a variety of health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you are sensitive. If you suffer from asthma the symptoms may become more severe.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture to enter the frame than is normal. This could cause additional issues like leaks and the deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these features when you are choosing windows for your home to ensure you pick the best style for your house. The differences between the muntin and the mullion can have a significant impact on the look as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The outer frames are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural components has resulted in their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, as the outer walls of early buildings were unable to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins serve an purely aesthetic function today.
There are a variety of muntins that are available, including those that are constructed between glass and then into the actual units. These can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.