So You've Bought Window Repair Near ... Now What?
How to Find window repairs near me Near You
The best window repair company will assist you whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage single-paned wood windows. The company should provide an estimate free of charge as well as a warranty for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If your window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a fresh coat. A properly applied interior paint can last between 5 and 10 years indoors, while exterior paint can last for 7 to 10 years based on the climate. Even the most well-applied paint will begin to fade as time passes and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose wood that is not sealed and may cause moisture problems if not addressed. The problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly it can get into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling window clean off all paint with a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with a high-quality enamel paint.
Check the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of rot. In most cases minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver to the wood surface that is bare at this point, which helps to keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common problems that people encounter when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that look like coffee or tea. These staining are caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home comes into contact with cool glass or windows. This is more likely to occur during the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's interior air to get warmer and more humid.
There are a variety of methods to get rid of these ugly stains, without damaging the blinds and window sills. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. Then wet a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner to the glass's surface and wipe it clean in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat the process until you've removed all streaks.
If the staining continues to persist then you might need to employ the more abrasive method. There are a myriad of abrasive cleaners which can take even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and a product dubbed the magic eraser are popular options. The texture of the magic eraser is like that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the packaging to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
Another way to avoid the formation of future hard water stains is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps remove the minerals before they are able to etch into the glass's surface which can be very expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is because windows are exposed to all kinds of weather and moisture which slowly degrades the wooden frames. In time, the wood will rot and cause serious issues. If the damage is not addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you spot the issue in its early stages, you can save costly repair costs.
Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to windows. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. They are typically found close to the corners of windows. They can be caused by many factors, like a lack or sun or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold is evident in areas that have excess humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if not dealt with. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and wellbeing.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll have to contact the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the frame of the window. This could be a very dangerous situation. It is also possible to search for other indicators that suggest a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes a major issue. You can detect the smell of musty damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
If water is absorbed into wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi which cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family members. If there is a large amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it is likely that you need to replace them rather than repair them.
It is possible to recognize a decayed window frame based on its appearance, as the wood will look soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has peeled away from the wooden surface. The best way to check for rot is by touching the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels firm and solid. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel to remove the rotten area. It is vital to do this in a secure manner so that you do not damage the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed and the wood is filled, you can apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand down the wood and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
The decay of window frames can cause mildew and mold, which can result in a variety of health issues. If you are sensitive to molds, you will suffer from 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's important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than usual. This could cause further issues such as leaks and degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
Although the words mullions and muntins sound alike and are frequently used interchangeably, the two windows have different purposes. It's important to understand the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows to help you choose the best style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a mullion can have a significant impact on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider that divides the glass panes of a window. However, the term "muntin" is typically reserved for the parts of the window that are inside and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles or rails. It could be that their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural components has led to their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, since the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to support the weight of large sections of glass. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows while helping the glass stay in place. Muntins and mullions serve a purely aesthetic purpose today.
There are currently a variety of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without losing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature real and simulated muntins for a more customizable appearance.