How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service will help you whether your home has energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, or old single-paned wood windows. The company should offer an estimate free of charge as well as a guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Certain companies offer limited warranties that expire over some time.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
When your window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually a sign it's time to get a fresh coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use can last from 7 to 10 years, based on conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips due to natural wear and tear caused by the sun, snow and rain and also from regular use by you and other guests in your home.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which can cause moisture issues. Problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the absence of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a peeling window, remove all loose paint using a scraper or wire brush and sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the wood using an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply an impervious preserver to the wooden surface at this stage which can help prevent future problems such mildew or rot. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common problems that people encounter when cleaning their windows is stains that look like coffee or tea. These stainings are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from the inside of your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more prevalent during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become humid and warmer.
There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stains, without damaging the blinds and window sills. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber fabric or non-scratch spongy. After soaking an unlinty, clean cloth with water, place your cleaner to the window's surface, wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until you have removed the stains.
If the stains aren't gone, you might need to consider a more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges, and a product known as a magic eraser, which is similar in texture to sandpaper with a fine texture. Follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
Another method to prevent the formation of future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps remove the minerals before they are able to scratch into the surface of your glass and become difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to weather and moisture. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. If the damage isn't addressed, you may need to replace your entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water stains are the most common indication that your windows have suffered water damage. They are round or oval spots that appear in yellow, brown and white colors. They typically form near the corners of your window and are caused by a myriad of causes that include the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is another sign of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if it is not addressed. Mold can cause health issues because it creates spores.
If you find that your window frames have begun to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some cases, the rotting may be so severe that it could sag the drywall around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other indicators of a leaky window that will allow you to address the issue before it gets out of hand. This could be a musty smell that is a result of damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace the windows.
You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. window repairs is also possible to be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best method to check for rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is hard and brittle. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is rotting, you should employ a hammer or chisel for removing the rotten area. It is vital to do this in a safe way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you should then apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair is complete, you should sand down the wood and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
Rotted window frames may cause mildew or mold, which can lead to numerous health issues. If you are sensitive to molds, you will suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms can be much worse if you suffer from asthma.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This could lead to further issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
The two components of a window aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these types of windows when you are choosing windows for your home so that you can select the best design for your home. The differences between the muntin and Mullion can have a major effect on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The outer frames are called stiles andrails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their function as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to support the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to add decorative flair to the windows while helping the glass remain in the proper position. Mullions and muntins serve only a decorative function.
There are currently a variety of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, such as between-the-glass designs that are integrated into actual glass units. These can be made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned windows without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins in order to give them a more personalized appearance.