How to Find a Window Repair Near You Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can assist. The company should offer a free estimate as well as a guarantee for its work. Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at different dates. Chipped or Peeling Paint If the window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it's usually an indication that it's time to get a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior will last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the climate. However, even the best-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear from the sun, rain, and snow. Peeling paint often exposes wood that is not sealed and may cause issues with moisture if it is not addressed. The problems with moisture in wooden windows usually result from a lack of caulking and a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner, water may seep into the sill or frame 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. 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 or timber frame. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality. Examine the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of decay. Most of the time small rots can be treated with high-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a water-proof preservative to the bare wood at this point to avoid future problems like rot or mildew. However, this isn't always necessary. Coffee-Like Stains One of the most frequent 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 that occurs when warm air from within 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 many ways to remove these ugly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch cloth. After soaking an unlinty, clean cloth with water, place your cleaner on the window's surface, wiping it around and back. Repeat until you've removed all streaks. If the stains aren't gone, you might need to try a more abrasive approach. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Some popular choices include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser which is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the directions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you don't harm your glass. Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is by regularly wiping your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps get rid of the minerals before they are able to penetrate the glass's surface which can be very difficult and expensive to remove. Water Damage Even the best-sealed of windows may suffer from 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 wood frames. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the issue in its early stages, you can save costly repair costs. Water staining is a typical sign of water damage to your windows. These stains are circular or oval spots that appear in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually form close to the corners of your window and are caused by a myriad of causes, including a lack of sun or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan. Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. Mold grows in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly spread throughout your home if not dealt with. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and well-being. If you discover that your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases, rotting can go so that the drywall is sagging around the window frame. This could be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, you should look for other signs of a leaky window that can help you deal with the issue before it gets out of control. This could be a musty smell that comes from damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture. Rotted Frames When water gets in wooden window frames, it can encourage the growth of fungi that cause wood to turn brown. Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can also create health problems for you and your family. If you notice a significant amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them instead of repair them. You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame by its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint will have peeled away from the wooden surface. The most effective method to determine if rot has occurred is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is dense and firm. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy. If the wood frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can remove it with a hammer. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you must apply wood filler to fix any cracks. Once the repair is completed, you should sand down the wood and then apply several coats of wood sealer that are waterproof. Rotted window frames may lead to mildew or mold, which can trigger various health issues. If you are sensitive to molds and mildew, you may be afflicted with symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be worse if you have asthma. When rotted wood is repaired, it is important to remember that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This can lead to additional problems such as leaks and the deterioration of your window. Muntins & Mullions These two windows aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. When it comes to selecting windows for your home, it's essential to understand the distinction between these two features so that you can pick the ideal style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have an impact on your window's appearance as well as its functionality and authenticity. A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in windows. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for the windows' inner frames while the outer frames are referred to as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative resemblances or their role as structural components have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably. Originally, mullions were made to support large windows because the walls on the outside of older buildings could not bear the weight. They were also able to add decorative flair to the windows while helping the glass remain in place. Muntins and mullions serve an purely aesthetic function today. Today, there are several varieties of muntins for windows, including styles with between-the-glass that are built into the actual glass units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.
window repair
