How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service will assist you whether your home has energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, or old wood single-paned windows. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a guarantee on the work it does.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. window repairs offer limited warranties that run out over a period of time.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
If your window frame paint begins to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last about 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which can result in moisture issues. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it could seep 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 the rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass or timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this stage to help keep from future problems such as 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 appear like tea or coffee. These staining can be caused by condensation that occurs when warm air from within your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This is a more frequent issue in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are many ways to remove these ugly stainings, without causing damage to your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust and dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After dampening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, place your cleaner to the surface of your window by wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the stains aren't gone, you might need to take a more aggressive method. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as a product dubbed a magic eraser are all popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Use these products according to the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to etch into the glass's surface which can be very difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
In 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. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious problems. If the issue isn't taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on expensive repairs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to your windows. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white colors. They typically form close to the corners of your window and are caused by a myriad of causes that include a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
Another indication that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. Mold grows in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly expand throughout your home if not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues because it creates spores.
If you find that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll need to call in the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases it can go as far as to sag drywall around the window frame. This can be a dangerous situation. In the meantime, look for other indicators of a leaky window that will help you address the issue before it becomes out of control. There is a musty smell that is caused by damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them rather than repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. You may also be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best method to check for decay is to feel the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid feels dense and firm. Rotted wood is soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is rotting you can get it removed using a Hammer. It is important to do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew or mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. If you are a mold sensitivity, you will experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, the symptoms may become more severe.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is important to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will let more moisture into the frame than usual. This could cause additional problems like leaks or deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound the same and are frequently used interchangeably, these 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 best design for your house. The distinctions between a muntin and a Mullion can have an enormous effect on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider that separates the glass panes in windows. The term "muntin" is typically reserved for the windows' inner frames while the frames that surround it are known as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarities or their use as structural support components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were initially designed as a way to support large windows, since the walls on the outside of early buildings were unable to support the weight of large sections of glass. They also could provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to remain in place. Muntins and mullions serve a purely aesthetic purpose today.
Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. These can be made from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both fake and real muntins to give them a more customized appearance.