Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the best window repair company can assist. The company should offer a free estimate and a guarantee for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Certain companies offer limited warranties that run out over the course of.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If the paint on your window frame begins to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a fresh coat. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, based on climate. However, even the most well-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose wood that is not sealed and may cause problems with moisture if not treated. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture is not treated promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a peeling glass clean off all paint by using a scraper or wire brush and sand to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass and frame of timber. Paint the wood surface using an oil-based primer that blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.
Examine the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of rot. Minor rot is usually repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood that is bare at this point to keep from future problems like rot or mildew. However, this isn't always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
One of the most frequent problems that people run into when cleaning their windows is stains that appear like tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside your home comes in contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more common in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become warmer and humid.
Fortunately, there are several different ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging your window sills or blinds. Begin by removing any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After soaking the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner to the window's surface then wipe it back and forth. Repeat the process until you've removed the stains.
If the stains aren't removed, you may have to consider a more abrasive method. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most stubborn stain without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as the product known as the magic eraser are the most popular alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is a second option to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the surface of your glass and become 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 a variety of weather and moisture, which slowly degrades the wooden frames. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major issues. If the damage isn't taken care of, you could need to replace your entire window frame. If you can spot the problem in its earliest stages, you can save 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 the brown, yellow and white shades. These stains are usually found near the corners of windows. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as a lack or sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. It can develop in areas of high moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and well-being.
If you find that your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting could go as far as to sag the drywall around the frame, which could be extremely dangerous. In the meantime, look for other indicators of a leaking window that can help you deal with the problem before it gets out of control. You can look for an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
When water seeps into wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that cause wood to turn brown. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health problems for your family. If you see an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, it's probably time to replace the windows.
You might be able to tell if you have a rotten window frame based on its appearance, since the wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that paint will have peeled away from the wooden surface. The best method to determine if there is rot is to touch the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid is dense and firm. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel for removing the rotten area. It is essential that you do this in a secure manner to ensure that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several coats of wood sealer that are waterproof.
Window frames that are rotten can result in mildew or even mold, which can lead to various health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms like an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you are sensitive. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.
It is crucial to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the spliced repair will allow more moisture into the frame than it would normally. This could lead to further problems such as leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different functions. When it comes to choosing new windows, it is important to understand the distinction between these two features so that you can select the most appropriate style for your home. The differences between a mullion and a muntin may have a significant impact on your window's appearance functionality, as well as historical authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is any type of vertical divider that separates the glass panes in a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside windows. The frames on the outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarities or their function as structural components have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.
The original purpose of the Mullions was as a way to support large windows, as the walls on the outside of the early buildings were not able to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. They were also able to provide a decorative touch to windows while allowing the glass to remain in the proper position. Today, mullions and multins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins available today including those constructed between glass and into the actual units. They can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature both simulated and real muntins to give a more customized appearance.
