If You've Just Purchased Window Repair Near ... Now What?

How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the right window repair service can help. The company should offer a free estimate and a warranty for its work.

Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at different times.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a fresh coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint can last from 7 to 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most effective paint application will wear down due to age and exposure elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear from sun, rain and snow as well as regular use by you and other guests in your home.

Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to problems with moisture if not taken care of. Moisture problems in wooden windows are usually the result from the absence of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture is not addressed in a timely manner the water can seep into the frame or sill and cause rot or mold.

To fix a peeling glass clean off all paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid causing damage to the frame of the window and glass. Paint the wood surface using an oil-based primer that blocks staining, seals and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.

Check the entire window frame to ensure there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. In the majority of cases small rots can be repaired with a good quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood that is bare at this point, which helps avoid future problems like rot or mildew. However, this is not always required.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble coffee or tea. These streaks are caused by condensation which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This issue is more prevalent during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.

There are many ways to remove these unsightly stainings, without causing damage to your blinds or window sills. Start by removing dust or dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner on the glass's surface by wiping it with a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains have been removed.

If the stains aren't removed, you may have to take a more aggressive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and a product called Magic Eraser are all popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you don't harm your glass.

A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This will help get rid of the minerals before they are able to scratch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove.

Water Damage

In time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. This is due to the fact that windows are exposed to all types of weather and moisture which slowly degrades the wooden frames. The wood will eventually begin to rot, causing serious problems. If the damage is not addressed, you may need to replace your entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.

Water staining is the most typical indication that your windows have suffered water damage. They are round or oval spots in white, brown, and yellow colors. They usually appear around the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of issues that include the absence of sunlight or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

Mold growth around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly expand throughout your home if not dealt with. Mold can cause health problems because it produces spores.

If you find that your window frames are beginning to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances, the rotting may extend to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. You should also look for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to catch the problem before it becomes out of hand. You can detect a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.

Frames that are rotten

If water is absorbed in wooden window frames, it can encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to begin to rot. Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can cause health problems for you and your family. If you notice lots of decayed wooden around your windows, it's likely time to replace them.

You may be able to identify a rotted window repairs frame based on its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. The best method to determine if rot has occurred is by touching the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. The wood that has been rotted feels soft and mushy.

If your wood window frame is beginning to decay, employ a hammer or chisel for removing the rotten area. It is crucial to do this in a safe manner to ensure that you do not damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand down the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.

The decay of window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. Molds can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you are sensitive. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.

When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it's important to remember that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture into the frame than usual. This could lead to additional issues including leaks, and the deterioration of the window itself.

Muntins & Mullions

The two components of a window aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. When you are choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the difference between these features so you can select the most appropriate style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin may have an impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.

A muntin is a vertical divider that separates the glass panes of windows. However, the term muntin is usually reserved for the parts of the window that are inside while the outer frames are known as stiles and rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their role as structural support elements have resulted in their interchangeability.

The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, seals as the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to support the weight of large sections of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are currently a variety of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are built into the actual glass units. They can be made from vinyl, wood or aluminum. They have the look of traditional multi-paned window without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with both real and simulated muntins for a more custom appearance.