How to Find a Window Repair Near You

Whether your home has vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient double-hung vinyl windows, the right window repair company can help. The company should provide an estimate for free and a guarantee for the work it does.

Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at varying dates.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

If the paint on your window frame starts to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a fresh coat. Well-applied interior paint will last between 5 and 10 years indoors, and exterior paint could last 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will wear off with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels are the result of wear from rain, sun, and snow.

Peeling paint may expose wood, which could cause moisture issues. Lack of caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture issues in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't dealt with promptly, it may be absorbed into the sill or frame and cause decay.

To repair a peeling window remove any paint that is loose using a scraper or wire brush and sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid damaging the frame and glass. Prime the bare wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.

Examine the entire frame of the window to ensure there aren't any signs of rot or structural damage. Minor rot is usually repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the wood at this point, which helps keep from future problems like rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, you will often encounter stains that resemble coffee or tea. These streaks result from condensation, that occurs when warm air from inside of your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This is more likely to occur in the winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause your home's interior air to get warmer and more humid.

Fortunately, there are several different ways to get rid of these stainings without harming your window sills or blinds. 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 to the glass's surface and wipe it clean in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.

If the staining is still present then you might need to resort to a more abrasive method. A range of abrasive scrubbers is available that can help remove even the most difficult stain without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and the product known as a magic eraser are all the most popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the directions on the package when using any of these products to ensure that you don't damage your glass.

Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is by regularly wiping your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps to get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the glass's surface and become difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

Even the best-sealed of windows may suffer from water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. In time, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. If the damage isn't treated, you may have to replace your entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you will save money on costly repairs.

Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white colors. They are typically found near the corners of the window. They are caused by a variety of factors, like a lack or sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.

Another indication that your windows have experienced water damage is the appearance of mold on the frame. The growth of mold is evident in areas that have excess moisture, and it could 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 discover that your window frames have begun to rot, you'll need to contact an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances, the rotting may extend to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be extremely dangerous. In the meantime, you should 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 a result of damp wood, soft spots that feel like they are spongy or a crumbly or brittle texture.

Rotted Frames

Water can cause wood to rot when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health issues for your family. If there is a large amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them, rather than repair them.

It is possible to identify a rotted window frame by its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. You may also observe that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best way to check for rot is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood feels firm and solid. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.

If your window frame made of wood is rotting, you should use a hammer and chisel for removing the rotten area. It is crucial to do this in a secure manner so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed, you can use wood filler to repair any cracks. After repair, you'll have to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.

window repairs frames that are rotten can cause mildew or mold, which can lead to various 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. If you have asthma, these symptoms may become more severe.

When rotted wood is repaired, it's important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture to enter the frame than usual. This can cause additional problems including leaks, and the degradation of the window itself.

Muntins and Mullions

These two windows are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. When it comes to choosing new windows, it is important to know the difference between these features so you can select the most appropriate design for your home. The distinctions between a muntin and a mullion can have a significant impact on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.

Essentially, a muntin is any kind of vertical divider that divides the glass panes within the window. The term"muntin" is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames that are outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be because of their alliterative sounds are similar or their function as structural support components has led to their interchangeability.

Mullions were originally designed to add support to large windows, as the outer walls of early structures were not able to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. 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.

There are many different types of muntins in the market today, including those that are built between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned windows without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows feature both fake and real muntins to give them a more customized appearance.