How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage single-paned wood windows. The company should offer a free estimate and a warranty for the work it does.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at different times.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
When your window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time for a new coat. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear and tear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which could result in moisture issues. Problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it could be absorbed into the frame or sill and cause the frame to rot.
To repair a peeling glass, remove all loose paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and frame of timber. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of rot. Most of the time minor rot can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver on the wooden surface at this stage which can help prevent future problems such mildew or rot. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stains are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become warmer and humid.
Luckily, there are many different ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging the window sills or blinds. Begin by removing any dirt or dust build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. After soaking a clean, lint free cloth with water, place your cleaner on the surface of your window then wipe it around and back. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to employ an even more abrasive approach. There are a myriad of Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as a product called the magic eraser are the most popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they are able to scratch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is due to the fact that windows are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and humidity, which slowly degrades the wood frames. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major issues. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace your entire window frame. However, if you spot the issue in its early stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water stains are a common sign of water damage to your windows. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are yellow, brown, and white in color. They usually form close to the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of issues such as the absence of sunlight or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Mold growth around the window frame is another sign of water damage. Mold can grow in areas with excess moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you find that 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 could go as far as to sag the drywall around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. You can also search for other indicators that suggest a leaky window to identify the issue before it gets out-of-hand. This could be 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 can encourage the growth of fungi that can cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot is not only unsightly, but it can cause health problems for your family and you. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint will have peeled off the wood surface. The best method to check for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels dense and firm. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If your window frame made of wood is rotting, you should use a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. 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 has been eliminated and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. If you suffer from asthma the symptoms may become more severe.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it is important to remember that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than usual. This can lead to additional problems such as leaks and deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. When it comes to choosing new windows, it is important to know the differences between these features so you can select the most appropriate design for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the mullion can have a significant effect on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
Essentially, a muntin is a vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. However, the term "muntin" is usually reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural components has led to their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the outer walls of early structures were not able to support the weight of large sections of glass. They also could give a stylish look to windows, while assisting the glass to stay in place. Today, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are window repairs near me of types of muntins for windows, such as between-the-glass designs which are built into actual glass units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with fake and real muntins to give them a more customized appearance.