How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can assist. The company should offer a free estimate and a warranty for the work it does.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint chipped or peeling
When your window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time to get an update. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use can last from 7 to 10 years, depending on the conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear and tear caused by rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to issues with moisture if it is not taken care of. Insufficient caulking or a leaky seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it may get into the frame or sill and cause the frame to rot.
To fix a peeling window, remove all loose paint using a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area 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 bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some artists prefer applying an impervious preserver to the wood surface that is bare at this stage to help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently encounter stains that look like coffee or tea. These staining can be caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more common in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.
Fortunately, there are several different methods for getting rid of those unsightly stained spots without damaging your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust and dirt using a non-scratch cloth. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner to the surface of your glass and wipe it clean in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.
If the staining is still present, you may have to use a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to remove even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and a product called a magic eraser are all popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the label when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is to wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This will help get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the surface of your glass and become difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Even the best-sealed of windows may suffer from water damage over time. This is due to the fact that windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and humidity, which gradually deteriorates the wooden frames. In time, the wood begins to decay and cause serious issues. If the damage isn't treated, you may have to replace the entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Water staining is the most typical indication that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow colors. They typically form close to the corners of your windows and can be caused by a myriad of causes such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas with excess moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you do not address it. This is because mold produces the spores which can affect your health and well-being.
If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of discoloration, you'll require the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting may go so that the drywall is sagging around the frame of the window. This can be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other signs of a leaking window that will help you address the problem before it gets out of hand. These include a musty odor that is caused by damp wood soft spots that feel spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Rotted Frames
When water gets into wooden window frames it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot isn't just ugly, but it could cause health issues for you and your family. If you see a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it is likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.
You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible to observe that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. However, the best way to test for decay is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is dense and firm. Wood that is rotted feels soft and soft.
If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, use a hammer and chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is important to do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several waterproof wood sealer coats.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health issues. If you are a mold sensitivity and mildew, you may suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is important to remember that the spliced repairs may let more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could cause additional issues like leaks and deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound the same and are frequently used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. It is important to know the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows so that you can select the most appropriate style for your house. 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.
A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in a window. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for parts of the window that are inside and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of their similar alliterative sounds or their role as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were originally designed to provide additional support to large windows, as the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to remain in place. Nowadays, Brentwood double glazing repairs and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins in the market today including those built between the glass and the actual units. They can be constructed from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows come with fake and real muntins to give them a more personalized appearance.