How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can assist. The business should provide a free estimate as well as a guarantee for the work they do.

Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Certain 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's usually the time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will wear off 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, which could result in moisture issues. 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 get into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.

To fix a window that is peeling, remove all loose paint by using a scraper, or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer which blocks staining, then paint it with a high-quality enamel.

Take a look at the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of rot. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the wood that is bare at this point, to help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. This isn't always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These stainings 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 more humid and warm.

There are a variety of ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging the window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After dampening a clean, lint free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it back and forth. Repeat as necessary until you have removed the stain.

If the stain isn't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to help get rid of even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool rough green scrub sponges, and a product known as a magic eraser, which has a similar texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the instructions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.

A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent future hard-water stains. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

Even the most well-sealed windows may suffer from water damage over time. The wooden frames slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to weather and moisture. The wood will eventually begin to rot, causing serious problems. If the issue isn't taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on costly repairs.

Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots that appear in yellow, brown and white colors. They usually form close to the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of issues such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.

The growth of mold around the window frame is a further indication of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas that have excess moisture, and it can quickly spread throughout your home if it is not dealt with. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.

If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll have to contact experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting might be so severe that it could make the drywall sag around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other indicators of a leaky window that will allow you to address the issue before it becomes out of control. You can detect the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.

Frames that are rotten

If water is absorbed into wooden window frames it can encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot isn't only unsightly, but it can also create health problems for your family and you. If you see an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's time to replace 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 check for Window Repair decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is dense and firm. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.

If the frame of your window is rotting you can remove it with an hammer. It is vital to do this in a safe manner so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.

Window frames that are rotten can result in mildew or even mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. If you are a mold sensitivity, you will 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.

It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired, the spliced repair will allow more moisture into the frame than normal. This could cause additional problems such as leaks and the deterioration of your window.

Muntins and Mullions

While the terms mullions and muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. It's important to understand the differences between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best design for your home. The differences between the muntin and Mullion can have a major impact on the look and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The outer frames are called stiles andrails. It is possible that their alliterative resemblances or their use as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.

Mullions were originally designed to provide additional support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows while keeping the glass in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are a variety of muntins in the market today, including those that are built between the glass and the actual units. These can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins in order to give them a more personalized appearance.