How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair service can help. The business should provide a free estimate as well as a guarantee for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at different dates.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time for a fresh coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint can last from 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most effective paint application will deteriorate with age and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels due to natural wear and tear from the sun, snow and rain, and also from regular use by you and other people within your home.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could result in moisture issues. Problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from a lack of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it may be absorbed into the frame or sill and cause decay.
To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand the rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Check the entire window frame to ensure that there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. In most cases small rots can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this point to help keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent issues that people face when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stains are caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This is a more frequent issue during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become more humid and warm.
Fortunately, there are several different methods for getting rid of these stains without damaging your blinds or window sills. Begin by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After soaking a clean, lint free cloth with water, place your cleaner to the surface of your window, wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat as necessary until you've removed all stain.
If your stains are not removed, you may have to take a more aggressive approach. There are a myriad of Abrasive cleaners that will remove 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, that is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Use these products according to the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a second option to prevent future stains from hard water. This helps remove the minerals before they have a chance to etch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The frames made of wood slowly degrading due to constant exposure to weather and moisture. The wood will eventually rot, causing serious problems. If the damage is not 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 indication of water damage to your windows. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow, and white in color. These stains are usually found near the corners of windows. They can be caused by many factors, like a lack or sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas of high moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.
If you find that your window frames have developed a rotting texture, you will require the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting could extend to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a leaking window that will allow you to address the problem before it gets out of hand. You can look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family. If there is a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it is likely time to replace them, rather than repair them.
You may be able to recognize a decayed window frame by its appearance, as the wood appears soft and discolored. You might also observe that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best method to determine if there is decay is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If window repair near me of your window is becoming rotten, you can take it off with an hammer. You must do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can trigger mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms can be much worse if you suffer from asthma.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This can lead to additional issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. When it comes to selecting new windows, it is important to know the difference between these two features so that you can choose the best design for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin can have an enormous impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
A muntin could be any vertical divider used to divide the glass panes of windows. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for parts of the window that are inside while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles or rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their function as structural support components have resulted in their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, as the walls on the outside of the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. They also could add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to remain in its place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are currently a variety of varieties of muntins for windows, including styles with between-the-glass that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be constructed from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have both simulated and real muntins to give a more customized appearance.