How to Find a Window Repair Near You

The right window repair company can assist you regardless of whether your home is equipped with energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage wood single-paned windows. The business should provide an estimate free of charge and a written guarantee for its work.

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

Paint that has peeled or chipped

If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign that it's time for an update. Interior paint that's well applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last from 7 to 10 years, based on the conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate with age and exposure to elements. Paint peels and Window Repair Near chips because of wear and tear from the sun, snow and rain, as well as from regular use by you and others within your home.

Peeling paint can expose wood that is not sealed and may cause moisture problems if not treated. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.

To repair a peeling window, remove all loose paint with a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.

Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of decay. In the majority of cases small rots can be treated with good quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point to help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. However, this is not always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, you will often come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stains result from condensation, which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more likely to happen in the winter, as colder outdoor temperatures can cause your home's indoor air to get warmer and more humid.

There are many ways to remove these unsightly stains, without damaging your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch cloth. After dampening a clean, lint free cloth with water, place your cleaner to the surface of your window then wipe it in a circular motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.

If the staining continues to persist it is possible to employ a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to remove even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass window repair. The most popular options are steel wool, rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser, that is similar in texture to very fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.

A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent future stains from hard water. This will help remove the minerals before they have a chance to etch into the glass's surface which can be very expensive and difficult to remove.

Water Damage

In time, even the best-sealed windows can experience water damage. This is because they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and humidity, which slowly deteriorates the wood frames. The wood eventually will begin to rot and cause major problems. If the damage 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 a typical sign of water damage to your windows. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They typically form close to the corners of your window and can be caused by a variety of issues that include the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

Another indication 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 have a lot of moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you don't address it. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.

If you discover that your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases it can go as that the drywall is sagging around the frame of the window. This can be a risky situation. You should also look for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to identify the issue before it becomes out of hand. You can detect a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.

Frames that are rotten

If water is absorbed in wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that cause wood to turn brown. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them.

It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has slid away from the wooden surface. However, the best way to determine if there is decay is to feel the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood feels soft and mushy.

If the wood frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can get it removed using the help of a Hammer. Do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. Once the repair is completed then you can sand the wood, and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.

Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health issues. If you are sensitive to mold and mildew, you may experience symptoms such as stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, the symptoms may become more severe.

When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it's crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may let more moisture into the frame than usual. This could lead to additional issues such as leaks and degradation of the window itself.

Muntins and Mullions

Although the words mullions as well as muntins sound alike and are frequently used interchangeably, these two window components serve different purposes. When it comes to selecting windows for your home, it's essential to understand the distinction between these two features so that you can choose the best design for your home. The differences between a muntin and a Mullion can have a major effect on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin could be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term muntin is usually reserved for the inner pieces of a window while the outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be because of their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components has resulted in their interchangeability.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows as the outer walls of older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also could add decorative flair to the windows, while assisting the glass to stay in the proper position. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.

Today, there are several types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, but without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins in order to give them a more customized appearance.