How to Find a Window Repair Near You

The right window repair company will help you whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage wood single-paned windows. The company should offer an estimate free of charge and a warranty for its work.

Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at varying times.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

If the window frame paint starts to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending upon climate conditions. Even the best-applied paint will wear down with age and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun, and snow.

Peeling paint often exposes the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not treated. A lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it could seep into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.

To repair a glass that is peeling, remove all loose paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand to smooth out rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed, follow the manufacturer's instructions 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 of high-quality.

Check the entire window frame to ensure there aren't any signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor wooden rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver to the wood surface that is bare at this stage to help prevent future problems such mildew or rot. This isn't always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stained windows are caused by condensation that occurs when warm air inside 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.

There are several ways to remove these unsightly stains, without damaging your window sills and blinds. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch cloth. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free fabric with water and apply your cleaner onto the surface of your glass, wiping it in the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat until the stains are removed.

If the stain isn't gone, you might need to try a more abrasive approach. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners that can remove even the most tough stains off your glass without harming it. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as the product known as a magic eraser are all popular options. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.

A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the glass's surface and become difficult and expensive to remove.

Water Damage

Even the best-sealed of windows are susceptible to water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious problems. In many cases, if the issue is not checked, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its early stages, you can avoid expensive repair costs.

Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have suffered water damage. These stains are circular or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white shades. These stains are usually found close to the corners of the window. They can be caused by many factors, like the absence of sun or a buildup in the sill pan.

Another sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold around the frame. The growth of mold is evident in areas that have excess humidity, and can quickly expand throughout your home if not dealt with. Mold can cause health issues because it creates spores.

If you discover that your window frames have begun to rot it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances, rotting can go so that the drywall is sagging around the frame of the window. This can be a very dangerous situation. You should also search for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to spot the issue before it becomes a major issue. You could look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.

Rotted Frames

When water seeps into wooden window frames, it could encourage the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family. If you notice lots of decayed wooden around your windows, then it's time to replace the windows.

You might be able to identify a rotted window frame based on its appearance, as the wood appears soft and discolored. You may also observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels dense and firm. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.

If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, employ a hammer and chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is vital to perform this work in a safe way so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.

Rotted window frames can cause mildew and mold, which could cause a variety of health problems. Molds can trigger symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're sensitive. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms may become more severe.

It is crucial to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the spliced repair will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This can lead to additional problems such as leaks and the deterioration of your window.

Muntins and Mullions

The two components of a window are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. When you are choosing new windows, it's important to know the difference between these features so you can pick the ideal design for your home. The differences between a muntin and a Mullion can have a major impact on the look, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of a window. The term"muntin" however, is reserved for the frames that are inside windows. The outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components has led to their interchangeability.

Originally, mullions were made to support large windows as the walls on the outside of older buildings could not bear the weight. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate windows while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins have an purely aesthetic function today.

There are many different types of muntins available today including those constructed between the glass and the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without cutting down on energy efficiency. Certain windows even have both simulated and real muntins to give a more customized appearance.