A Step-By Step Guide To Window Repair Near How to Find a Window Repair Near You

If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the best window repair service can help. The company should provide a free estimate and a warranty for its work.

Certain window companies offer lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Others have limited warranties that expire at varying dates.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

If the window frame paint starts to chip or peel it's usually a sign it's time to get a fresh coat. Interior paint that's well applied will last about 5-10 years indoors. Paint on the exterior can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on climate. However, even the best-applied paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels due to natural wear and tear from sun, rain and snow as well as from regular use by you and others living in your home.

Peeling paint can expose the wood's surface and can lead to moisture problems if not addressed. The problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from a lack of caulking and a leaky window seal. If moisture isn't addressed promptly the water can seep into the sill or frame and cause rot or mold.

To repair a peeling window remove any paint that is loose 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 unprotected glass and timber frame. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.

Take a look at the entire frame of your window to make sure that there aren't any indications of decay. Minor rot is usually repaired using a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply a waterproof preserver on the wood surface that is bare at this point to help keep from future problems such as rot or mildew. However, this is not always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, people frequently encounter stains that resemble tea or coffee. These streaks are caused by condensation which happens when warm air from the inside of your home comes in contact with cool glass or windows. This problem is more likely to happen in the winter months, since colder outdoor temperatures can cause your home's interior air to become warmer and more humid.

There are many ways to remove these ugly stainings, without causing damage to the blinds and window sills. Begin by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. After soaking an unlinty, clean cloth with water, apply your cleaner to the window's surface, wiping it back and forth. Repeat until the stains are removed.

If the staining is still present then you might need to employ an even more abrasive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available that can help remove even the most stubborn staining without damaging or scratching your glass. The most popular options are steel wool rough green scrub sponges and a product referred to as a magic eraser which is similar in texture to sandpaper that is very fine. Follow the directions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.

Another important way to prevent future hard water stains is to wipe your windows with a clean and lint-free paper towel. This helps to remove the minerals before they have the chance to scratch into the glass's surface and become difficult and costly to remove.

Water Damage

Even the best-sealed of windows can suffer water damage over time. The wooden frames slowly deteriorated by constant exposure to moisture and weather. In time, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. In many cases, if the issue is not addressed, you'll need to replace the entire window frame. However, if you spot the issue in its earliest stage, you can avoid costly repair costs.

Water staining is the most frequent indication that your windows have suffered water damage. The stains are circular or oval spots that appear in the brown, yellow and white shades. They usually appear close to the corners of the window. They are caused by a variety of things, such as a lack or sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.

Another common sign that your windows have suffered water damage is the emergence of mold around the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas that are prone to moisture, and it could quickly expand throughout your home if it is not addressed. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and well-being.

If you find that your window frames are rotting it is recommended to call an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some cases the rotting may go so far as to sag drywall around the window frame. This can be a very dangerous situation. In the meantime, look for other indicators of a leaky window that will allow you to address the issue before it becomes out of control. You could look for an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.

Frames that are rotten

Water can cause wood to rot when it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot can be ugly and cause health issues for your family members. If you see a large amount of decayed wood around your windows, it is 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 will appear soft and discolored. It could also be that the paint will have peeled off the wood surface. However, the best way to test for decay is to touch the wood. Solid, healthy wood is hard and brittle. Wood that has been rotted will feel soft and mushy.

If the frame of your window is rotting you can remove it with an Hammer. Do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot is removed, you can use wood filler to repair any cracks. After the repair, you'll have to sand down the wood and apply several wood sealer coatings.

Window frames that are rotten can trigger mildew and mold, which could cause a variety of health issues. If you are a mold sensitivity you might experience symptoms such as eyes that are itchy and stuffy when exposed to these substances. If you suffer from asthma, the symptoms may become more severe.

If wood that is rotten is repaired, it's important to keep in mind that the spliced repairs may allow more moisture to enter the frame than normal. This could cause additional problems such as leaks and degradation of your window.

Muntins and Mullions

These two windows aren't interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is important to know the differences between these features when you are choosing windows for your home so that you can select the most appropriate style for your house. The distinctions between the muntin and the Mullion can have a major effect on the appearance, functionality and historical authenticity of your window.

A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to separate the glass panes in a window. The term muntin, however, is reserved for the frames that are inside a window. The outer frames are called stiles andrails. It could be because of they have similar alliterative sounding names or their role as structural support components have led to their interchangeability.

Originally, mullions were created to support large windows because the outer walls of older buildings were unable to support the weight. They also served to add decorative flair to the windows while allowing the glass to remain in its place. Mullions and muntins have a purely aesthetic purpose today.


There are a variety of muntins that are available including those built between the glass and into the actual units. They can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They offer the look of traditional multi-paned windows, without losing energy efficiency. Certain windows have real and fake muntins to create a more unique appearance.