How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company will help you whether your home is equipped with energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows or single-paned wood windows. The company should offer an estimate for free and a guarantee on its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip, it's usually a sign that it's time to get a new coat. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on the conditions. Even the best-applied paint will deteriorate as time passes and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear from rain, sun, and snow.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which could result in moisture issues. A lack of caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't addressed promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To repair a peeling glass clean off all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid causing damage to the frame and glass. Paint the wood surface using an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Take a look at the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver on the wooden surface at this point which can help keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. It is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These staining are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air inside your home is brought 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 more humid and warm.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of those unsightly stained spots without damaging your window sills or blinds. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then wet a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner onto the glass's surface and wipe it clean in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat the process until you've removed the stains.
If your stains are not gone, you might need to take a more aggressive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool, rough green sponges and a product called the magic eraser are the most popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Use these products according to the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is by regularly wiping your windows with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they scratch the surface. This can be very expensive and difficult to get rid of.
Water Damage
Over time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is because windows are constantly exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture which gradually deteriorates the wood frames. The wood will eventually rot and cause serious issues. If the damage is not treated, you may have to replace your entire window frame. If you can spot the issue in its early stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water staining is a typical indication of water damage to your windows. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in colour. They usually appear around the corners of your windows and can be caused by a myriad of causes such as the absence of sunlight or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The growth 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. Mold can cause health problems due to the fact that it produces spores.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a rotting texture, you will require experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting might go as far as to sag the drywall around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a window that are leaky, which can help you deal with the problem before it gets out of control. You can look for the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Frames that are rotten
Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can cause health problems for you and your family. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace the windows.
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 will have peeled off the wood surface. However, the best way to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is firm and dense. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is essential that you perform this work in a safe way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, you should then apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After repair, you'll have to sand down the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which could lead to a number of health issues. If you are sensitive to molds you might be afflicted with symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you have asthma, these symptoms can become much more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture into the frame than usual. This could lead to additional issues such as leaks and deterioration of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound similar and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different functions. It is important to know the differences between these features when selecting new windows to ensure you pick the most appropriate style for your home. Burnham window repairs between the muntin and the Mullion can have a major impact on the look, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin could be any vertical divider used to divide the glass panes of windows. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The frames that are outside are called stiles andrails. It could be that their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.
Mullions were initially designed to add support to large windows, as the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to withstand the weight of large pieces of glass. They also could provide a decorative touch to windows while helping the glass remain in the proper position. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins that are available including those constructed between the glass and the actual units. They can be made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have fake and real muntins to create a more unique appearance.