How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage wood single-pane windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the right window repair service can help. The company should offer an estimate free of charge as well as a guarantee for the work they do.
Some window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes, and locks. Some companies offer limited warranties that expire after a period of time.
Paint chipped or peeling
If your window frame paint begins to chip or peel it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint will last between 7 and 10 years, based on the climate. Even the most effective paint application will deteriorate with age and exposure to elements. Paint chips and peels as the result of wear and tear from rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint may expose wood, which could cause moisture issues. Insufficient caulking or a leaky seal could cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't addressed in a timely manner, water may seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.
To fix a peeling glass remove all paint using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for using a heat gun or chemical stripper to avoid damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, stain-blocking primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Check the entire window frame to ensure there is no evidence of rot or major structural damage. In most cases minor rot can be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters like to apply a waterproof preserver to the wooden surface at this stage, which helps to keep from future problems such as mildew or rot. This is not always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often come across stains that resemble tea or coffee. Colchester window repair can be caused by condensation, which happens when warm air from inside your home is brought into contact with cool glass or windows. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become humid and warmer.
Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging your window sills or blinds. Start by removing dust and dirt with a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After soaking a clean, lint free cloth with water, place your cleaner on the window's surface by wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.
If the staining is still present then you might need to resort to the 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 Magic Eraser are all popular choices. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
Another way to avoid future hard water stains is to regularly wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps remove the minerals before they are able to etch into the surface of your glass which can be very difficult and expensive to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even windows with the best seals can suffer from water damage. The wood frames are slowly deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually begins to rot, causing serious problems. In a majority of cases, if the damage is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its earliest stages, you can avoid costly repair costs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to windows. These stains appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in colour. These stains are usually found close to the corners of the window. They can be caused by many things, such as sun or lack of it or a buildup of dust in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. It can develop in areas that have a lot of humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you do not address it. Mold can cause health issues because it produces spores.
If you notice that your window frames have developed a decaying texture, you'll need to call in the experts to replace the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting might go as far as to cause a sagging of the drywall 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 hand. You can detect an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Rotted Frames
When water seeps into wooden window frames, it can promote the growth of fungi that can cause wood to rot. Wood rot isn't only visually unattractive, but it can cause health issues for you and your family. If you see a large amount of decayed wood surrounding your windows, it's likely that you need to replace them instead of repair them.
It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It is also possible to notice that the paint has peeled off the wooden surface. The best way to determine if rot has occurred is to feel the wood. Wood that is healthy and solid feels dense and firm. Wood that is rotten will feel soft and mushy.
If the frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can remove it with an Hammer. It is crucial to perform this work in a safe way so that you don't cause damage to the surrounding areas. After the rot has been removed, you can apply wood filler to fix any cracks. After repair, you will need to sand the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.
Window frames that are rotten can lead to mildew or mold, which can trigger a variety of health problems. If you are a mold sensitivity you might be afflicted with symptoms like a eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. These symptoms may be more severe if you suffer from asthma.
It is important to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired the repair spliced will allow more moisture in the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues, including leaks and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins & Mullions
These two windows are not interchangeable despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is important to know the differences between these features when selecting new windows to ensure you pick the most appropriate style for your home. The differences between the muntin and Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance as well as the functionality and historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any kind of vertical divider that separates the glass panes in windows. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for parts of the window that are inside and the frames on the outside are referred to as stiles or rails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their function as structural support elements have 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 bear the weight of large pieces of glass. The mullions and the muntins were also used to decorate the windows and keep the glass in place. Mullions and muntins have an purely aesthetic function today.
There are a variety of muntins available today and some are built between the glass and into the actual units. They can be constructed of wood, vinyl, or aluminum. They provide the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows feature both real and fake muntins to give them a more customized appearance.