The right window repair company can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage wooden single-paned windows. The company should offer an estimate free of charge and a guarantee on the work it does.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
If your window frame paint begins to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a new coat. The paint that is properly applied to the interior will last about 5 to 10 years indoors, while exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years based upon climate conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint peels and chips because of wear and tear caused by the sun, snow and rain as well as regular use by you and other people in your home.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which could lead to moisture problems. Problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and an unsound window seal. If moisture isn't treated promptly, it could be absorbed into the sill or frame and cause decay.
To fix a window that is peeling, remove all loose paint using a scraper or wire brush, then sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that you don't damage the glass and frame of timber. Paint the wood surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, then paint it with high-quality enamel.
Inspect the entire window frame to be sure that there are no signs of rot or major structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the wood that is bare at this point, which helps keep from future problems like rot or mildew. However, this is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that look like tea or coffee. These stained windows can be caused by condensation that occurs when warm air from within your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more likely to occur in the winter months when colder outdoor temperatures can cause your home's interior air to get more humid and warmer.
There are a variety of different methods for getting rid of those unsightly stained spots without damaging the window sills or blinds. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch sponge. Then you should dampen the clean, lint-free cloth with water, and apply your cleaner onto the glass's surface, wiping it in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to employ a more abrasive method. There are many Abrasive cleaners that will remove even the most tough stains off your glass without harming it. A few of the most popular options include steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub 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 that you don't harm your glass.
Another way to avoid future stains from hard water is by regularly wiping your windows with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel. This will remove the minerals from your glass before they scratch the surface. This can be very expensive and difficult to get rid of.
Water Damage
Over time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to a variety of weather and moisture, which slowly degrades the wood frames. The wood eventually will begin to rot and cause major problems. If the issue isn't taken care of, you could need to replace your entire window frame. However, if you spot the problem in its early stages, you can save expensive repair costs.
Water stains are a typical indication of water damage to windows. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. These stains are usually found near the corners of the window. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as the absence of sun or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
The growth of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly spread throughout your home if it is not dealt with. This is because mold creates spores that can affect your health and well-being.
If you notice your window frames have begun to rot and you're concerned, you should contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In window repairs rotting might go as far as to cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which can be an extremely dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a window that are leaky, which will allow you to address the issue before it gets out of control. This could be a musty smell that is caused by damp wood soft spots that feel spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.
Frames that are rotten
Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family. If you see lots of decayed wooden around your windows, it's time to replace the windows.
It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint will have peeled away from the wooden surface. The best way to determine if there is decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Rotted wood is soft and mushy.
If the window frame of your wooden home is rotting, you should employ a hammer and chisel to get rid of the decayed area. It is essential that you do this in a secure way so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand the wood down and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings.
Rotted window frames may lead to mildew or mold, which can trigger numerous health issues. If you are sensitive to mold and mildew, you may suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be worse if you have asthma.
If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will allow more moisture into the frame than usual. This could lead to further problems such as leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
While the terms mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two windows have different purposes. It's important to understand the differences between these features when selecting new windows to help you choose the best design for your house. The differences between a mullion and a muntin can have an enormous impact on your window's appearance, functionality, and historical authenticity.
A muntin can be any vertical divider used to divide the glass panes of a window. The term "muntin" is usually reserved for the inner pieces of a window while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their function as structural support elements has led to their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the walls on the outside of early buildings were unable to bear the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate windows while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of varieties of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles which are built into actual glass units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned window without sacrificing energy efficiency. Certain windows have fake and real muntins to give them a more customized appearance.
