How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can help. The company should offer an estimate free of charge and a guarantee 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 various times.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time to apply a fresh coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior will last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear caused by the sun rain and snow and also from regular use by you and others in your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could lead to moisture problems. Moisture problems in wooden windows usually result from a lack of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture is not addressed promptly the water can seep into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling glass clean off all paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass and frame of timber. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the bare wood at this point, to help prevent future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent issues that people face when cleaning their windows is stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These streaks are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This is a more frequent issue in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become humid and warmer.
Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of these unsightly stained spots without damaging your blinds or window sills. Begin by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, place your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it around and back. Repeat the process until you have removed the streaks.
If the staining is still present, you may have to resort to a more abrasive method. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the toughest stains from your glass without harming it. The most popular options are steel wool, rough green scrub sponges, and a product known as a magic eraser, which has a similar texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Use these products according to the directions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is by regularly wiping your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps get rid of the minerals before they are able to penetrate the surface of your glass and become difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually begins to rot, causing serious problems. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace your entire window frame. However, if you catch the issue in its earliest stages, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water staining is the most typical indication that your windows have experienced water damage. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are yellow, brown and white in hue. These stains are usually found in the corners of windows. They can be caused by a variety of factors, like a lack or sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
Mold growth around the window frame is a further indication of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas with excessive moisture, and it can quickly expand throughout your home if it is not dealt with. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of discoloration, you'll need to call in the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the frame of the window. This can be a risky situation. You should also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to catch the problem before it gets out-of-hand. These include a musty odor that is a result of damp wood soft spots that feel spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
If water is absorbed in wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot isn't just ugly, but it could cause health problems for your family and you. If you see a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, then it's likely time to replace them.
It is possible to identify a rotted window frame by its appearance, as the wood appears soft and discolored. You may also be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. However, the best way to determine if there is decay is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to rot, employ a hammer and chisel for removing the rotten area. You must do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand down the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can cause mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health problems. If you are sensitive to molds you might experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms can be much worse if you have asthma.
When rotted wood is repaired, it's important to remember that the spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could cause further issues such as leaks and deterioration of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound alike and are frequently used interchangeably, the two windows have different functions. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these features when choosing new windows so that you can select the best style for your house. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have a significant impact on your window's style as well as its functionality and authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is any type of vertical divider that divides the glass panes within a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The frames on the outside are called stiles andrails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural support components has resulted in their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed as a way to support large windows, since the outer walls of early buildings were unable to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate the windows and keep the glass in place. Muntins and mullions serve a purely aesthetic purpose today.
There are a variety of muntins available today and some are constructed between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without decreasing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have both real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.