How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair company will assist you whether your home is equipped with energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows or wooden single-paned windows. The company should provide a free estimate and a written guarantee for the work they do.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranty on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after a period of time.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign it's time for an update. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based on the climate. But even the most effective paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from the sun, rain, and snow.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which can lead to moisture problems. Insufficient caulking or a leaky seal could cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture is not treated in a timely manner, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To fix 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 instructions for using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of decay. Most of the time, minor rot can be fixed with a good quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the bare wood at this point, to help keep from future problems like rot or mildew. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most common problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that appear like tea or coffee. These streaks are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become warmer and humid.
There are a variety of different ways to get rid of these unsightly stainings without harming the window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber fabric or a non-scratch sponge. Then, dampen the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner on the surface of your glass and wipe it clean in the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat until the stains are gone.
If the stain isn't removed, you may have to take a more aggressive approach. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult stain without damaging or scratching your glass. The most popular options are steel wool rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser, which has a similar texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't harm your glass.
A clean, lint free rag or paper towel is another way to prevent future stains from hard water. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they scratch the surface. This can be very difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and moisture which gradually deteriorates the wooden frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot and cause serious issues. In a majority of cases, if the damage is not checked, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can spot the issue in its early stage, you can avoid expensive repair costs.
Water staining is the most typical indication that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow shades. They usually appear near the corners of your window and are caused by a variety of issues that include a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. Wandsworth double glazing of mold can be seen in areas with excessive moisture, and it can quickly expand throughout your home if it is not dealt with. This is because mold creates spores that can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you notice your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases, the rotting may be so severe that it could sag the drywall around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. You can also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to catch the problem before it gets out-of-hand. There is a musty smell that is caused by damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family members. If there is a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them rather than repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You may also notice that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. However, the best way to test for decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, use a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. You must do this with care to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair is complete, you should sand down the wood, and then apply several waterproof wood sealer coats.
Rotted window frames may result in mildew or even mold, which can trigger various health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're sensitive. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.
It is important to keep in mind that when rotten wood is repaired, the repaired splice will permit more moisture in the frame than normal. This could cause additional problems such as leaks and deterioration of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
These two windows are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. When you are choosing new windows, it's important to know the difference between these two features so that you can choose the best style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
Essentially, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider that divides the glass panes within the window. The term"muntin" is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The outer frames are called stiles andrails. It could be because of their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components has led to their interchangeability.
Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows because the walls that surrounded older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also served to give a stylish look to windows while allowing the glass to stay in the proper position. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are currently a variety of types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned glass without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.