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 company should provide an estimate free of charge as well as a warranty for the work it does.

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

Paint chipped or peeling

If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign it's time for a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior will last between 7 and 10 years, based on conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will begin to fade with age and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels due to wear and tear caused by the sun, snow and rain as well as regular use by you and other guests living in your home.

Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could result in moisture issues. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from the lack of caulking or an unsound window seal. If moisture is not treated in a timely manner it can get into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.

To fix a peeling window clean off all paint by using a scraper, or wire brush and 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 wood with a stain-blocking, Window repair oil-based primer and then finish it with an enamel paint of high-quality.

Examine the entire frame of the window to be sure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. In the majority of cases minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preservative to the bare wood at this point, which helps prevent future problems such as mildew or rot. However, this is not always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that look like coffee or tea. These staining can be caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This is more likely to occur during the winter months when colder outdoor temperatures can cause your home's interior air to become more humid and warmer.

There are a variety of ways to get rid of these unsightly stainings without harming your window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After dampening the clean, lint-free cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the surface of your window, wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat as necessary until you've removed the stains.

If the stains aren't removed, you may have to try a more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to help get rid of even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. The most popular options are steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub and a product referred to as a magic eraser which is similar in texture to sandpaper with a fine texture. Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.

A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid future stains from hard water. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they can scratch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to get rid of.

Water Damage

Over time, even windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is because windows are constantly exposed to all types of weather and moisture, which slowly degrades the wood frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious problems. In a majority of cases, if the issue goes unchecked, you will need to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the issue in its earliest stage, you can avoid costly repair costs.

Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to your windows. They are round or oval spots that appear in yellow, brown and white shades. They typically form around the corners of your window and can be caused by a variety of factors that include the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

The appearance of mold around the window frame is another sign of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas of high humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.

If you find that your window frames are beginning to rot it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the frame of the window repair near me. This could be a dangerous situation. You can also look for other indicators that suggest a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes out of hand. You can look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.

Frames that are Rotted

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

You may be able to recognize a decayed window frame based on its appearance, as the wood will look soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint has slid away from the wooden surface. However, the best way to check for rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is firm and dense. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.

If the frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can take it off with the help of a hammer. It is important to do this in a cautious manner 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 repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.

Rotted window frames may lead to mildew or mold, which can lead to numerous health issues. If you are a mold sensitivity you might suffer from symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. 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 it would normally. This could lead to additional issues including leaks, and the deterioration of the window itself.

Muntins and Mullions

Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, the two components of windows serve different functions. It is important to know the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows so that you can select the best design for your house. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin may have an enormous impact on your window's style functionality, as well as historical authenticity.

A muntin could be any vertical divider used to divide the glass panes of a window. However, the term "muntin" is usually reserved for the parts of the window that are inside and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles or rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarities or their use as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.

Mullions were originally designed as a way to support large windows, since the outer walls of the early buildings were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to stay in place. Today, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are a variety of muntins available today, including those that are constructed between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be made of vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned glass without decreasing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.