So You've Bought Window Repair Near ... Now What?
How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the best window repair company can assist. The business should provide an estimate free of charge and a written guarantee for the work they do.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after some time.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
When your window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time for an update. Interior paint that is well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, based on climate. Even the most effective paint application will wear down with age and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips due to wear and tear from sun rain and snow as well as from regular use by you and others within your home.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which could cause moisture issues. The problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not addressed promptly the water can seep into the frame or sill and cause rot or mold.
To fix a peeling window clean off all paint with a scraper or wire brush and sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire window frame to ensure that there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. In most cases minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the bare wood at this point to keep from future problems like mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that look like tea or coffee. These stains result from condensation, that occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.
There are many ways to remove these unsightly stain without harming your window sills and blinds. Start by removing dust or dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner onto the surface of your glass and wipe it clean in the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat the process until you've removed all stains.
If the stain isn't removed, you may have to try a more abrasive method. There are a myriad of Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the most tough stains off your glass without harming it. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as the product known as the magic eraser are popular options. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Use these products according to the directions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This will help get rid of the minerals before they have the chance to etch into the glass's surface, which can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is because they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and humidity, which slowly degrades the wood frames. The wood eventually begins to rot and cause serious issues. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace your entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to windows. They are round or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white colors. They usually form close to the corners of your windows and are caused by a variety of issues such as a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
Another indication that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold on the frame. The growth of mold is evident in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly expand throughout your home if not dealt with. This is because mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you notice your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting may go so that it causes drywall to shift around the frame of the window. This can be a risky situation. You can also look for other signs that could indicate a window leak to spot the issue before it becomes out of hand. This could be a musty smell that is a result of damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family members. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.
You may be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood surface. window repairs to determine if there is decay is to feel the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is dense and firm. Rotted wood is soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is rotting you can take it off with the help of a Hammer. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you must apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After the repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can result in mildew or even mold, which can trigger numerous health issues. If you are sensitive to mold, you will be afflicted with symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms are more severe if you suffer from asthma.
When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture into the frame than is normal. This could lead to further problems like leaks or degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound similar and are frequently used interchangeably, the two windows have different purposes. When it comes to selecting new windows, it's important to understand the distinction between these features so you can choose the best design for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the Mullion can have an enormous impact on the look as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term "muntin" is typically reserved for windows' inner frames while the outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarity or their use as structural components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were made to support large windows since the walls on the outside of older buildings were not able to support the weight. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Mullions and muntins serve only a decorative function.
There are many different types of muntins that are available and some are constructed between glass and the actual units. They can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned windows without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have fake and real muntins to give them a more customized appearance.