How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is decorated with antique wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the right window repair company can assist. The company should offer an estimate for free and a guarantee on the work it does.

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

Paint that has peeled or chipped

If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear from the sun, rain and snow.

Peeling paint is a common way to expose the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not taken care of. The problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from the lack of caulking or a loose window seal. If moisture is not addressed in a timely manner, water may seep into the frame or sill and cause rot or mold.

To fix a window that is peeling remove any paint that is loose with a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using a heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer 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. In most cases small rots can be treated with good quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the wood that is bare at this point, to help keep from future problems like mildew or rot. However, this isn't always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

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

Luckily, there are many different methods for getting rid of those unsightly stainings without harming your blinds or window sills. Start by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber fabric or non-scratch spongy. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free fabric with water and apply your cleaner to the surface of your glass by wiping it with an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.

If the staining continues to persist, you may have to use an even 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 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 fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the label 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 the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

Over time, even the best-sealed windows can experience water damage. The wood frames are slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to weather and moisture. The wood eventually begins to rot and cause serious issues. In most instances, if the damage is not checked, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.

Water staining is the most frequent indication that your windows have suffered water damage. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually form close to the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of issues such as the absence of sunlight or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

Another sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if it is not addressed. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.

If you find that your window frames have developed a rotting texture, you will require the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting might extend to sag the drywall around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. You should also look for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to spot the issue before it becomes out of hand. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.

Frames that are Rotted

When water seeps into wooden window frames, it can encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to rot. Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can cause health issues for your family and you. If you see a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, then it's probably time to replace them.

You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors discolored. You may also observe that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best method to determine if there is decay is to feel the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.

If the frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can take it off with an hammer. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you should then apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand the wood down and apply several wood sealer coatings.

Window frames that are rotten can cause mildew or mold, which can cause numerous health issues. Molds can cause symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're prone. If you suffer from asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.

It is important to keep in mind that when rotten wood is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This can cause additional problems, including leaks and the degradation of the window replacement itself.

Muntins & Mullions

Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two window components serve different purposes. It is crucial to know the distinctions between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the most appropriate style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of windows. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for the inner pieces of a window while the outer frames are referred to as stiles or rails. It's possible that their alliterative resemblances or their use as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows since the outer walls of older buildings were unable to support the weight. They were also able to give a stylish look to windows while allowing the glass to stay in its place. Mullions and muntins serve only a decorative function.

There are a variety of muntins in the market today, including those that are built between the glass and into the actual units. These can be made of vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without losing energy efficiency. Some windows come with both simulated and real muntins for a more custom appearance.