How to Find a Window Repair Near You
The right window repair service can assist you regardless of whether your home has energy efficient double-hung vinyl windows or vintage single-paned wood windows. The business should provide a free estimate as well as a guarantee for the work it does.
Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at various times.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
If your window frame paint begins to peel or chip, it is usually time to apply a new coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last approximately 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use will last between 7 and 10 years, based on the conditions. However, even the best-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels because of wear and tear from sun, snow and rain and also from regular use by you and other guests within your home.
Peeling paint can expose the wood, which could cause moisture issues. Lack of caulking or a loose seal can cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't addressed promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.
To fix a window that is peeling clean off all paint using a scraper or wire brush. Sand the area to smooth rough edges. If a chemical stripper or heat gun is employed be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully to avoid damaging the unprotected glass and timber frame. Prime the wood using an oil-based primer that blocks staining and then finish it off with an enamel paint of high-quality.
Check the entire window frame to be sure that there are no signs of rot or structural damage. In most cases, minor rot can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some artists also prefer to apply a water-proof preservative to the bare wood at this point to prevent future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These streaks result from condensation, which occurs when warm air from inside of your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This issue is more likely to occur in the winter months when colder temperatures in the outdoors can cause your home's interior air to get warmer and more humid.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of those unsightly stains without damaging your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dirt or dust build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. Then you should dampen the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply your cleaner onto the glass's surface and wipe it clean in an in-between motion. Repeat until the stains are removed.
If the staining continues to persist it is possible to resort to a more abrasive method. There are many abrasive cleaners that can remove even the most tough stains off your glass without damaging it. Some popular choices include steel wool, rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser, that is similar in texture to sandpaper with a fine texture. Use these products according to the instructions on the packaging to keep your glass from being damaged.
A clean, lint free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent the formation of future hard-water stains. This will help remove the minerals before they are able to etch into the glass's surface which can be very expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
In time, even the most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The frames made of wood slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood will eventually begin to rot, causing serious problems. In many cases, if the issue goes unchecked, you will need to replace the entire window frame. If you catch the problem early, you can save money on costly repairs.
Water staining is a typical indication of water damage to your windows. They appear as circular or oval spots that are brown, yellow and white in hue. They usually form close to the corners of your window and are caused by a myriad of causes, including a lack of sun or a buildup of dirt in the sill pan.
The appearance of mold around the window frame is another indication of water damage. The growth of mold is evident in areas that have excess humidity, and can quickly spread throughout your home if not addressed. This is because mold creates spores that can affect your health and well-being.
If you find that your window frames have begun to show signs of discoloration, you'll require experts to repair the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting could be so severe that it could cause a sagging of the drywall around the frame, which can be a very dangerous situation. It is also possible to search for other indicators that indicate a leaky window to spot the issue before it becomes a major issue. These include a musty odor that is a result of damp wood soft spots that feel spongy or a brittle or crumbly texture.
Rotted Frames
Water can cause wood to rot if it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot is not only visually unattractive, but it can cause health issues for your family and you. If you see lots of decayed wooden around your windows, then it's likely time to replace them.
You may be able to recognize a decayed window frame by its appearance, since the wood will look soft and discolored. It is also possible to notice that the paint has slid off the wood's surface. The best way to test for rot is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood feels firm and solid. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.
If your wood window frame is beginning to rot, employ a hammer or chisel to remove the rotten area. It is essential that you do this in a secure manner so that you do not damage the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed, use wood filler on any cracks. Once the repair is completed you can sand the wood, and then apply several waterproof wood sealer coats.
Rotted window frames may result in mildew or even mold, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Molds can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms are worse if you have asthma.
It is crucial to remember that when wood that is rotten is repaired, the repaired splice will permit more moisture into the frame than it would normally. This could cause further issues, including leaks and the degradation of the window itself.
Muntins and Mullions
The two components of a window are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They have different functions. It's important to understand the distinctions between these features when selecting new windows to help you choose the best design for your home. The differences between the muntin and Mullion can have a major impact on the appearance and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin can be any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of windows. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the inner frames of a window. The outer frames are referred to as stiles and rails. It's possible that their alliterative similarities or their role as structural support elements have led to the usage of these terms interchangeably.
Originally, mullions were made to support large windows as the outer walls of older buildings could not bear the weight. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows and keep the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are double glazing repair Lewisham of kinds of muntins that are suitable for windows, including styles with between-the-glass which are built into actual glass units. These can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows, but without cutting down on energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins in order to give them a more customized appearance.