How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double glazing repairs-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can help. The company should provide a free estimate and a guarantee on the work it does.

Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various dates.

Paint chipped or peeling

If your window frame paint begins to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years depending upon climate conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels due to wear and tear caused by the sun, snow and rain as well as from regular use by you and other guests in your home.

Peeling paint often exposes bare wood and can cause moisture problems if not taken care of. A lack of caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it could be absorbed into the sill or frame and cause rot.

To fix a window that is peeling remove any paint that is loose using a scraper or wire brush and sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the glass or timber frame. Paint the wood surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, then paint it with high-quality enamel.

Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply an impervious preserver to the bare wooden surface at this point to help avoid future problems like rot or mildew. This is not always required.

Coffee-Like Stains

One of the most common problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that appear to be tea or coffee. These stainings are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from the inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more likely to occur in the winter months, since colder outdoor temperatures can cause your home's indoor air to become warmer and more humid.

There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. Then wet the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner to the surface of your glass and wipe it clean in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are gone.

If the stains aren't removed, you may have to consider a more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to help get rid of even the most difficult stain 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, that is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.

Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is to wipe your windows with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they can etch the surface. This can be extremely difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The wooden frames slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. Eventually, the wood will 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 problem in its early stages, you can save costly repair costs.

Water stains are the most common indication that your windows have experienced water damage. They are round or oval spots in yellow, brown and white shades. They typically form near the corners of your window and can be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.

The appearance of mold around the window frame is another sign of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that have excess moisture, and it could quickly spread throughout your home if not addressed. This is because mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.

If you find that your window frames are beginning to rot it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting might extend to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, look for other signs of a leaking window that can help you deal with the issue before it gets out of hand. There is a musty smell that comes from damp wood, soft spots that feel spongy, or a crumbly or brittle texture.

Rotted Frames

If water is absorbed into wooden window frames, it can encourage the growth of fungi that cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family members. If you notice a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, it's probably time to replace them.

You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame based on its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. It is also possible to be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. However, the best way to check for decay is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is hard and brittle. Rotted wood feels soft and window repair mushy.

If the frame of your window is rotting you can remove it with the help of a hammer. It is crucial to perform this work in a safe manner to ensure that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you'll need to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.

Rotted window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which can lead to a number of health problems. If you are a mold sensitivity and mildew, you may experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be worse if you suffer from asthma.

When rotted wood is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the repairs made using splices will allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This could cause further issues such as leaks and degradation of the window itself.

Muntins & Mullions

These two window components are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It's important to understand the distinctions between these types of windows when you are choosing windows for your home to help you choose the best style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin could have a an impact on the appearance of your window, functionality, and historical authenticity.

A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term"muntin" is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames on the outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarity or their function as structural support components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows since the outer walls of older buildings were unable to support the weight. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate windows, while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.

Today, there are several types of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows even have real and simulated muntins for a more customizable appearance.