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 right window repair service can help. The company should provide an estimate for free and a guarantee on its work.
window repairs offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior will last between 7 and 10 years, based on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels because of wear and tear from the sun rain and snow as well as from regular use by you and others living in your home.
Peeling paint often exposes the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not taken care of. Problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or an unsound window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with quickly, it can get into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.
To fix a peeling glass clean off all paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging 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 of high-quality.
Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of rot. Minor rot is usually repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver on the wooden surface at this stage to help keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. This isn't always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that look like tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common during winter as 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 window sills or blinds. Begin by removing dust or dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then wet a clean, lint-free fabric with water and apply the cleaner onto the surface of your glass by wiping it with the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat until you have removed the stain.
If the stains aren't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive approach. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most tough stains off 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. Follow the instructions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent future stains from hard water. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they scratch the surface. This can be very difficult and costly to get rid of.
Water Damage
Over time, even most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is because windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture, which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood will rot and cause serious issues. In most cases, if the damage is not addressed, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the problem in its earliest stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water stains are a common sign of water damage to windows. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow, and white in color. They usually appear near the corners of windows. They are caused by a variety of things, such as a lack or sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another indication that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly spread throughout your home if it is not addressed. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you find that your window frames have begun to rot it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting may go so that the drywall is sagging around the window frame. This could be a very dangerous situation. It is also possible to look for other signs that could indicate a window leak to catch the problem before it gets out-of-hand. You could look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.
Frames that are rotten
When water seeps into wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot is not only unsightly, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If there is a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them.
You might be able to identify a rotted window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to determine if rot has occurred is to feel the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is dense and firm. Wood that is rotted is soft and soft.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to rot, employ a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. It is important to do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several coats of wood sealer that are waterproof.
The decay of window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're sensitive. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms can become much more severe.
It is crucial to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could cause further issues including leaks, and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
These two window components are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. When you are choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the differences between these features so you can pick the ideal style for your home. The distinctions between a muntin and a Mullion can have an enormous effect on the appearance and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
In essence, a muntin is any type of vertical divider that separates the glass panes within the window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames that are outside are called stiles andrails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural components have led to their interchangeability.
Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows since the walls on the outside of older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also served to give a stylish look to windows while allowing the glass to stay in its place. Muntins and mullions serve only a decorative function.
There are currently a variety of types of muntins for windows, such as between-the-glass designs that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned glass without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have fake and real muntins to create a more unique appearance.