How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should provide an estimate for free as well as a guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
If the window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time to get an update. Interior paint that's well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use will last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the conditions. Even the best-applied paint will deteriorate due to age and exposure the elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear and tear caused by rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which can lead to moisture problems. A lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture is not addressed in a timely manner, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a peeling window remove any paint that is loose with a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. The wooden surface is primed with an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood that is bare at this point to prevent future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These stains are caused by condensation that occurs when warm air inside your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are several methods to get rid of these ugly stains, without damaging your window sills and blinds. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner onto the surface of your glass by wiping it with a back-and-forth motion. Repeat the process until you've removed the stain.
If the stain isn't gone, you might need to consider a more abrasive method. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners which can take 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 very fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be very difficult and expensive to get rid of.
Water Damage
Even the most well-sealed windows may suffer from water damage over time. This is due to the fact that windows are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and moisture, which gradually deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious issues. If the issue isn't treated, you may have to replace the entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They usually appear in the corners of windows. They are caused by a variety of things, such as sun or lack of it, or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to moisture, and it can quickly spread throughout your home if not addressed. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll require experts to repair the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting may go so that the drywall is sagging around the frame of the window. This could be a risky situation. You can also search for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to identify the issue before it gets out-of-hand. You can look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't only unsightly, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If you see an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, then it's probably time to replace them.
It is possible to recognize a decayed window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that paint has slid off the wood surface. The best method to test for rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotted feels soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can take it off with a Hammer. It is essential that you do this in a safe way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can cause mildew or mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. If you are sensitive to molds and mildew, you may be afflicted with symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms can be much worse if you have asthma.
It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than is normal. This can cause additional problems, including leaks and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound the same and are frequently used interchangeably, the two windows have different functions. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these features when selecting new windows so that you can select the most appropriate style for your house. The differences between a muntin and a mullion can have a significant impact on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
In essence, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. However, the term "muntin" is usually reserved for the windows' inner frames while the frames that surround it are known as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarity or their function as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to provide additional support to large windows, as the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are many different types of muntins available today including those constructed between glass and then into the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned glass without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins to create a more unique appearance.