How to Find a Window Repair Near You

The right window repair service will assist you whether your home has energy efficient Double Glazing Repair Epsom-hung vinyl windows or vintage wooden single-paned windows. The business should provide an estimate for free as well as a warranty for its work.

Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that run out over a period of time.

Paint chipped or peeling

If the paint on your window frame starts to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate as time passes and exposure to elements. Paint chips and double glazing repair Epsom peels as the result of wear from the sun, rain and snow.

Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could lead to moisture problems. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it may be absorbed into the frame or sill and cause the frame to rot.

To double glazing repair Wisbech a peeling glass, remove all loose paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.

Examine the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any indications of rot. Most of the time minor rot can be repaired with a good quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point, which helps prevent future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this isn't always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble coffee or tea. These streaks result from condensation, which happens when warm air from the inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more common in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become more humid and warm.

There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber fabric or a non-scratch sponge. Then wet the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner to the surface of your glass by wiping it with a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.

If the stain isn't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive approach. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. Steel wool, rough green sponges and the product known as a magic eraser are all the most popular options. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't harm your glass.

A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent future stains from hard water. This helps to get rid of the minerals before they are able to etch into the glass's surface, which can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove.

Water Damage

Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly degrading due to constant exposure to weather and moisture. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious problems. In a majority of cases, if the damage is not checked, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you spot the problem in its earliest stage, you can avoid costly repair costs.

Water stains are the most common indication that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots in yellow, brown and white colors. They typically form close to the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes such as the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.

Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas with excess humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't address it. This is because mold creates the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.

If you find that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll need to call in the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting could go as far as to sag the drywall around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. You can also look for other signs that indicate a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes a major issue. You could look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.

Rotted Frames

When water seeps into wooden window frames it could encourage the growth of fungi that cause wood to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family. If you notice a significant amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.

It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. The best way to check for rot is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood feels soft and mushy.

If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to decay, employ a hammer or chisel to get rid of the decayed area. Do this in a cautious manner 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. Once the repair is completed, you should sand down the wood, and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.

The decay of window frames can result in mildew or even mold, which can lead to numerous health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you are sensitive. If you suffer from asthma the symptoms may become more severe.

When rotted wood is repaired, it's important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture into the frame than normal. This can cause additional problems including leaks, and the degrading of the window.

Muntins and Mullions

Although the words mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. When it comes to choosing new windows, it's important to understand the distinction between these features so you can pick the ideal style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have a significant impact on the appearance of your window functionality, as well as historical authenticity.

A muntin could be any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term "muntin" is typically reserved for the windows' inner frames while the outer frames are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural support elements have resulted in their interchangeability.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows as the walls that surrounded older buildings could not bear the weight. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and multins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are many different types of muntins in the market today, including those that are constructed between glass and then into the actual units. They can be constructed from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins to create a more unique appearance.