How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage wood single-paned windows. The company should offer an estimate for free and a guarantee for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after some time.
Paint chipped or peeling
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time to get a new 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, depending on the climate. Even the best-applied paint will begin to fade due to age and exposure the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear from sun, snow and rain as well as regular use by you and other people within your home.
Peeling paint often exposes bare wood and can cause issues with moisture if it is not treated. Problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it could seep into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.
To fix a peeling glass remove 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 or timber frame. The wooden surface is primed with an oil-based primer which blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any indications of rot. In most cases small rots can be treated with good quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver on the bare wooden surface at this point, which helps to keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that look like coffee or tea. These streaks 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 is a more frequent issue in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
Luckily, there are many different ways to get rid of these stained spots without damaging your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. Then wet a clean, lint-free fabric with water, and apply your cleaner to the glass's surface by wiping it with an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining is still present then you might need to use an even more abrasive approach. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to remove even the most stubborn stain without damaging or scratching your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser which is similar in texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
Another way to avoid future stains from hard water is to wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be very expensive and difficult to get rid of.
Water Damage
Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. This is because windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture which gradually deteriorates the wooden frames. In time, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. In most cases, if the damage is not checked, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its earliest stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
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 colour. They are typically found close to the corners of windows. They can be caused by many factors, like the absence of sun or a buildup in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. Mold can grow in areas of high humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't address it. Mold can cause health problems because it creates spores.
If you find that your window frames have begun to show signs of decaying texture, you'll require experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting might be so severe that it could make the drywall sag around the frame, which could be a very dangerous situation. You should also look for other signs that could indicate a window leak to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and can cause health issues for your family members. If you see an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's probably time to replace the windows.
You might be able to identify a rotted window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that paint has slid away from the wooden surface. The best method to check for decay is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is hard and brittle. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to decay, use a hammer and chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is crucial to do this in a safe manner to ensure that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot has been removed, you can apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair, you'll have to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can trigger mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health issues. If you are sensitive to molds you might suffer from symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be more severe if you suffer from asthma.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it is important to remember that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could lead to further issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. When it comes to choosing new windows, it's important to know the difference between these two features so that you can select the most appropriate design for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin could have a a significant impact on your window's appearance as well as its functionality and authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider that divides the glass panes of the window. The term "muntin" is usually reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the outer frames are referred to as stiles or rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarity or their function as structural support components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the outer walls of early structures were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They also could add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to stay in the proper position. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are many different types of muntins available today, including those that are constructed between glass and the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.