How to Find a Window Repair Near You

Whether your home has vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a guarantee for the work it does.

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

Paint that has chipped or peeled

If the paint on your window frame begins to chip or peel, it is usually time to apply a new coat. A properly applied interior paint can last 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending upon climate conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear caused by rain, sun and Window Repair Near snow.

Peeling paint often exposes bare wood and can cause moisture problems if not treated. The problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can get into the sill or frame and cause the frame to rot.

To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint 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 avoid damaging the unprotected glass or timber frame. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.

Examine the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of rot. Minor rot can usually be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver to the wooden surface at this point to help keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often come across stains that resemble tea or coffee. These streaks are caused by condensation, that occurs when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more likely to occur during the winter months, since colder temperatures outside can cause your home's indoor air to get more humid and warmer.

There are a variety of ways to remove these ugly stain without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber fabric or a non-scratch sponge. After soaking an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the window's surface then wipe it around and back. Repeat as necessary until you have removed the stains.

If the stain isn't gone, you might need to consider a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool, rough green sponges and a product called Magic Eraser are all popular options. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.

A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they etch the surface. This can be very difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

In time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The frames made of wood slowly deteriorating due to exposure to weather and moisture. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the issue in its early stages, you can avoid expensive repair costs.

Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white colors. They usually form around the corners of your windows repair and are caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.

Another sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that have a lot of moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you don't address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.

If you discover that your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some cases, the rotting may go as far as to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be extremely dangerous. In the meantime, you should look for other indicators of a leaky window that can help you deal with the problem before it becomes out of control. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.

Rotted Frames

Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family members. If you notice a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, then it's time to replace them.

It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It is also possible to observe that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best method to test for decay is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that is rotted feels soft and mushy.

If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can remove it with the help of a hammer. It is vital to do this in a safe manner to ensure that you do not damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. Once the repair is completed you can sand the wood, and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.

Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health problems. If you are sensitive to mold you might suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes 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 spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could cause additional problems such as leaks and the deterioration of your window.

Muntins & Mullions

While the terms mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. It is important to know the distinctions between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best design for your house. The differences between a mullion and a muntin could have a a significant impact on your local window repair's style, functionality, and historical authenticity.

A muntin can be any vertical divider 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 or rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their role as structural support components has resulted in their interchangeability.

The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, as the walls on the outside of early buildings were unable to support the weight of large sections of glass. They also served to provide a decorative touch to windows, while assisting the glass to stay in the proper position. Today, mullions and multins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are currently a variety of types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins in order to give them a more customized appearance.