How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The best window repair company can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows or wood single-paned windows. The company should provide a free estimate and a guarantee on the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time to apply a new coat. A properly applied interior paint can last about 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based upon climate conditions. Even the best-applied paint will wear down due to age and exposure the elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint often exposes wood that is not sealed and may cause issues with moisture if it is not addressed. Problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot.
To fix a peeling glass remove all paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Check the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying a waterproof preserver on the wooden surface at this point which can help keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stains result from condensation, which happens when warm air from the inside of your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become humid and warmer.
There are a variety of ways to remove these ugly stain without harming the blinds and window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber fabric or a non-scratch sponge. Then wet a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner onto the surface of your glass, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.
If the stain isn't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to help get rid of even the most stubborn staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as the product known as the magic eraser are the most popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.
Another method to prevent future hard water stains is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps to get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the surface of your glass and become difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is because windows are constantly exposed to all types of weather and moisture which slowly degrades the wooden frames. In time, the wood will begin to rot and cause major issues. If the damage isn't taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you can save money on costly repairs.
Water stains are the most common indication that your windows have experienced water damage. They appear as circular or oval spots that are yellow, brown and white in colour. They usually form around the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
Mold growth around the window frame is a further indication of water damage. Mold grows in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly spread throughout your home if not addressed. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.
If you find that your window frames are rotting, you'll need to contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances, rotting can go so far as to sag drywall around the window frame. This can be a dangerous situation. You should also search for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. These include a musty odor that comes from 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 gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family members. If window repairs notice a significant amount of rotten wood around your windows, it is likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them.
It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible to be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to test for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is dense and firm. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, use a hammer and chisel for removing the rotten area. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which could lead to a number of health problems. If you are sensitive to mold, you will experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's important to remember that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This can cause additional problems such as leaks and deterioration of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
The two components of a window aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is important to know the differences between these features when selecting new windows to help you choose the most appropriate style for your house. The differences between a muntin and a muntin could have a a significant impact on your window's appearance as well as its functionality and authenticity.
A muntin can be any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of windows. The term"muntin" is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames that are outside are known as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarities or their role as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Mullions were originally designed as a way to support large windows, since the outer walls of early buildings were unable to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Muntins and mullions serve an purely aesthetic function today.
There are currently a variety of types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be constructed of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.