If your home is decorated with antique single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double-hung windows made of vinyl, the right window repair company can help. window repairs should offer a free estimate and a warranty for its work.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at varying dates.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time for a fresh coat. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on the climate. Even the best-applied paint will deteriorate with age and exposure to the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear from the sun, rain and snow.
Peeling paint can expose wood that is not sealed and may cause moisture problems if not addressed. Moisture problems in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a leaky window seal. If moisture is not treated in a timely manner it can get into the frame or sill and cause rot or mold.
To fix a peeling window clean off all paint by using a scraper, or wire brush. 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 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.
Take a look at the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any signs of rot. Most of the time minor rot can be treated with high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preservative to the wood that is bare at this point, which helps avoid future problems like mildew or rot. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people frequently come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stains are caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This is more likely to happen in the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's indoor air to become warmer and more humid.
There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stains, without damaging the blinds and window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. Then you should dampen a clean, lint-free fabric with water and apply the cleaner on the glass's surface, wiping it in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to resort to a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available to help get rid of even the most difficult stains without scratching or damaging your glass. The most popular options are steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub and a product referred to as a magic eraser, which has a similar texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the instructions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure that you don't harm your glass.
A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent future stains from hard water. This will help remove the minerals before they have the chance to penetrate the glass's surface, which can be extremely expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even the windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The frames made of wood slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. Eventually, the wood will rot and cause serious problems. In most cases, if the damage is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you will save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is the most frequent sign that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white colors. They usually form near 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.
Another indication that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if it is not addressed. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can affect your health and wellbeing.
If you notice your window frames are rotting and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the window frame. This can be a very dangerous situation. You should also search for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. There is a musty smell that is a result of damp wood soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Frames that are rotten
When water gets into wooden window frames it could encourage the growth of fungi which cause wood to turn brown. Wood rot isn't only ugly, but it could cause health issues for you and your family. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it's likely time to replace them rather than repair them.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. You may also be able to see that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best method to check for rot is to feel the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotted feels soft and soft.
If your wood window frame is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel for removing the rotten area. It is important to do this in a careful manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated then apply wood filler to any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood down and apply a variety of waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can trigger mildew and mold, which could result in a variety of health issues. If you are a mold sensitivity you might suffer from symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma, the symptoms may become more severe.
When rotted wood is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than is normal. This can cause additional problems, including leaks and the degrading of the window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. It is important to know the distinctions between these types of windows when choosing new windows to ensure you pick the best design for your house. The differences between a muntin and a muntin could have a an impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
In essence, a muntin is a vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term"muntin" is reserved for the frames that are inside windows. The frames that are outside are called stiles andrails. It could be because of their similar alliterative sounds or their role as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.
Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows since the walls on the outside of older buildings could not bear the weight. The mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and multins are mostly applied to 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. These can be made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature both simulated and real muntins to give a more customized appearance.
