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 company can assist. The business should provide an estimate for free as well as a warranty for the work it does. Some window companies offer lifetime warranty on frames, sashes and locks. Others offer limited warranties that expire at different times. Chipped or Peeling Paint When your window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign it's time for a fresh coat. Interior paint that is well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Exterior paint can last from 7 to 10 years, depending on the conditions. Even the most effective paint application will begin to fade due to age and exposure the elements. Paint chips and peels are a result of natural wear from rain, sun, and snow. Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to issues with moisture if it is not taken care of. Moisture problems in wooden windows usually result from the lack of caulking or a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed quickly, it can be absorbed into the frame or sill and cause rot. To repair a peeling window remove any paint that is loose with a scraper or wire brush and sand the area to smooth rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks stains, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel. Check the entire window frame to be sure that there is no evidence of rot or structural damage. Minor rot can be repaired with a top-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the bare wood at this point, to help keep from future problems like rot or mildew. It is not always necessary. Coffee-Like Stains One of the most common issues that people face when cleaning their windows is the appearance of stains that look like coffee or tea. These stains are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from inside of your home comes into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more common in winter because colder temperatures outside can cause the indoor air of your home to become more humid and warm. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging your window sills or blinds. Begin by removing any dirt or dust build-up with a microfiber cloth or non-scratch spongy. Then, 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 then you might need to resort to an even more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to help get rid of even the most stubborn staining without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as a product called a magic eraser are all popular options. 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 you don't harm your glass. A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is a different way to avoid the formation of future hard-water stains. This helps get rid of the minerals before they have the chance to etch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove. Water Damage Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. This is due to the fact that windows are constantly exposed to all types of weather and moisture, which slowly degrades the wood frames. The wood eventually will rot and cause serious problems. In a majority of cases, if the damage is not addressed, you'll have to replace the entire window frame. If you can identify the issue early, you will save money on expensive repairs. Water staining is the most typical sign that your windows have experienced water damage. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are yellow, brown, and white in color. They usually appear near the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes, including a lack of sun or the accumulation of dirt in the sill pan. Another sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. It can develop in areas with excess moisture and quickly spread throughout your home if you don't take care to address it. This is because mold creates spores that can impact your health and wellbeing. If you notice your window frames are beginning to rot it is recommended to call an expert to replace the damaged pieces. In some instances, rotting can go so that it causes drywall to shift around the frame of the window. This can be a dangerous situation. You can also search for other indicators that could indicate a window leak to catch the problem before it becomes a major issue. You can detect an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy. Frames that are rotten Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't just unsightly, but it can also create health problems for your family and you. If you see a large amount of rotten wood around your windows, it's likely that it is time to replace them, rather than repair them. It is possible to identify a rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint has peeled away from the wooden surface. The best way to test for rot is to feel the wood. Solid, healthy wood is firm and dense. Rotted wood will feel soft and mushy. If the wood frame of your window is becoming rotten, you can remove it with a hammer. It is crucial to do this in a secure manner so that you don't damage the surrounding areas. After the rot has been eliminated, use wood filler on any cracks. After the repair, you'll need to sand down the wood and apply several waterproof wood sealer coatings. The decay of window frames can result in mildew or even mold, which can cause various health issues. Molds can trigger symptoms such as an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms are worse 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 is normal. This could lead to additional issues including leaks, and the deterioration of the window itself. Muntins and Mullions Although the words mullions and muntins sound alike and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different functions. When it comes to choosing new windows, it is important to know the differences between these two features so that you can pick the ideal style for your home. The differences between a muntin and a muntin can have an enormous impact on your window's style functionality, as well as historical authenticity. A muntin is any vertical divider used to separate the glass panes in a window. The termmuntin is reserved for the inner frames of windows. The frames that are outside are referred to as stiles and rails. It could be that their similar alliterative sounds or their function as structural components have resulted in their interchangeability. Mullions were originally designed as a way to support large windows, as 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 the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Nowadays, mullions and muntins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons. Today, there are several kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, such as between-the-glass designs which are built into actual glass units. They can be made of vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned windows without sacrificing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature both real and simulated muntins to give a more customized appearance.
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