How to Find a Window Repair Near You

Whether your home has vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient double glazing-hung vinyl windows, the best window repair company can help. The company should offer a free estimate and a guarantee on its work.

Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after some time.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

If the window frame paint begins to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on the conditions. Even the most well-applied paint will deteriorate with age and exposure to the elements. Paint peels and chips due to natural wear and tear from sun snow and rain as well as regular use by you and other guests living in your home.

Peeling paint is a common way to expose wood that is not sealed and may cause problems with moisture if not taken care of. The problems with moisture in wooden windows are usually the result from the absence of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner it can get into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.

To fix a peeling window clean off all paint by 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 avoid damaging the glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with a high-quality enamel paint.

Examine the entire frame of the window to be sure that there aren't any signs of rot or doors structural damage. In most cases small rots can be treated with good quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the bare wood at this point, to help keep from future problems like mildew or rot. However, doors this isn't always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

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

There are a variety of ways to remove these unsightly stains, without damaging the blinds and window sills. Start by removing any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After moistening an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner on the window's surface then wipe it around and back. Repeat until the stains are gone.

If the stains aren't gone, you may need to take a more aggressive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to remove even the most stubborn staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool sponges, rough green sponges and the product known as the magic eraser are well-known alternatives. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging when using any of these products to ensure that you do not damage your glass.

Another important way to prevent future stains from hard water is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel. This helps to get rid of the minerals before they have the chance to scratch into the surface of your glass and become expensive and difficult to remove.

Water Damage

Even the most secure windows can suffer water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. Eventually, the wood will rot and cause serious issues. In a majority of cases, if the damage goes unchecked, you will have to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you can save money on expensive repairs.

Water staining is a typical indication of water damage to your windows. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They typically form near the corners of your windows and can be caused by a variety of issues such as a lack of sun or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

Another indication that your windows have suffered water damage is the appearance of mold around the frame. It can develop in areas of high humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces spores that can impact your health and well-being.

If you notice that your window frames have begun to show signs of decaying texture, you'll need to call in experts to replace the damaged parts. In some instances the rotting may go so that the drywall is sagging around the window frame. This can be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, be looking for other indicators of a window that are leaky, which can help you deal with the issue before it gets out of control. You could look for a musty smell coming from damp wood or soft areas that feel spongy.

Rotted Frames

Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and can cause health issues for your family members. If you see a lot of rotten wooden around your windows, then it's probably time to replace them.

You can identify a rotted frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint has peeled away from the wooden surface. However, the best way to test for rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels firm and solid. Rotted wood is soft and soft.

If the wood frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can remove it with a Hammer. Do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After 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 lead to various health issues. If you are a mold sensitivity, you will be afflicted with symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.

When wood that has been damaged is repaired, it is crucial to keep in mind that the spliced repairs will let more moisture into the frame than usual. This can lead to additional problems like leaks or deterioration of your window.

Muntins & Mullions

Although the words mullions and muntins sound the same and doors are frequently used interchangeably, the two window components serve different purposes. When it comes to selecting new windows, it is important to know the difference between these features so you can pick the ideal style for your home. The distinctions between the muntin and the Mullion can have a major effect on the appearance and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin can be any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes of windows. The term "muntin" is usually reserved for the windows' inner frames and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components has resulted in their interchangeability.

Originally, mullions were designed to support large windows since the walls that surrounded older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also could add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to stay in place. Today, mullions and muntins are usually used to decorate windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are a variety of muntins available today including those built between the glass and into the actual 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 come with both real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.