How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should offer an estimate free of charge as well as a warranty for the work they do.

Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

If your window frame paint begins to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last about 5 to 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear from the sun, snow and rain and also from regular use by you and other guests living in your home.

Peeling paint can expose the wood, which could lead to moisture problems. Moisture problems in wooden windows are usually the result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can seep into the frame or sill and cause decay.

To repair a glass that is peeling remove all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out 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 frame of timber. Prime the wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.

Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can usually be repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point which can help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always required.

Coffee-Like Stains

One of the most common problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that look like coffee or tea. These stainings are caused by condensation, that occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more prevalent during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.

Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of these stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust and dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After soaking an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the window's surface then wipe it in a circular motion. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.

If the staining continues to persist, you may have to use the more abrasive method. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most difficult stains from your glass without harming it. The most popular options are 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 packaging when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.

A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is a second option to prevent future stains from hard water. This will take away the minerals from your glass before they can scratch the surface. This can be extremely expensive and difficult to remove.

Water Damage

In time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is due to the fact that windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. Eventually, the wood begins to decay and cause serious problems. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its earliest stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.

Water stains are a typical indication of water damage to your windows. These stains are circular or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white shades. They usually appear near the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes, including the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.

The growth of mold around the window frame is a further indication of water damage. Mold can grow in areas with excess moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you don't address it. Mold can cause health problems because it creates spores.

If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of discoloration, you'll need to call in experts to repair the damaged parts. In some cases, the rotting may extend to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which could be extremely dangerous. In the meantime, look for other indicators of a leaking window repairs that will allow you to address the issue before it gets out of control. You can detect a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.

Frames that are rotten

When water seeps into wooden window frames it could encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to rot. Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can cause health issues for you and your family. If there is a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them, rather than repair them.

It is possible to identify a rotted window frame based on its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. It is also possible to observe that the paint has slid off the wood surface. However, the best way to check for decay is to feel the wood. Solid, window repair healthy wood is hard and brittle. The wood that has been rotted is soft and mushy.

If the frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can get it removed using the help of a hammer. It is important to do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete, you should sand down the wood and then apply several waterproof wood sealer coats.

Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew or mold, which can cause numerous health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you are sensitive. These symptoms are more severe if you suffer from asthma.

If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This can lead to additional problems like leaks or degradation of your window.

Muntins and Mullions

While the terms mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different purposes. It's important to understand the distinctions between these features when selecting new windows to ensure you pick the best style for your house. The differences between a muntin and a muntin can have an enormous impact on the appearance of your window, functionality, and historical authenticity.

In essence, a muntin is a vertical divider that divides the glass panes of a window. However, the term muntin is usually reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles or rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their role as structural support components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows because the walls that surrounded older buildings were not able to support the weight. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows, while assisting the glass to remain in the proper position. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are a variety of types of muntins for windows, including styles with between-the-glass that are built into the actual glass units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl, or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned windows, but without losing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins to create a more unique appearance.