10 Real Reasons People Hate 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 right window repair company can help. The company should provide an estimate for free and a written guarantee for the work it does.

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

Paint that has peeled or chipped

If the paint on your window frame starts to chip or peel it's usually an indication that it's time to get an update. Paint for interiors that is properly applied will last for about 5-10 years indoors. Paint for exterior use can last anywhere from 7-10 years, based on conditions. But even the most effective paint will deteriorate with time and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as the result of wear and tear from the sun, rain and snow.

Peeling paint may expose wood, which could cause moisture issues. The problems with moisture in wooden windows typically result from the absence of caulking and a loose window seal. If moisture isn't addressed promptly it can get into the sill or frame and cause mold or rot.

To fix a peeling glass remove all paint using a scraper or wire brush and sand the rough edges. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines if you are using a heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame of the window and glass. Prime the bare wooden surface with an oil-based primer that blocks staining, and then paint it with a high-quality enamel.

Take a look at the entire frame of your window to ensure that there aren't any signs of decay. Minor rot can usually be repaired with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters also like to apply a preservative that is waterproof to the wood at this point, which helps prevent future problems such as mildew or rot. It is not always necessary.

Coffee-Like Stains

When cleaning windows, you will often come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These stainings are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm air from the inside of your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This problem is more common during winter as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become more humid and warm.

There are several ways to remove these ugly stains, without damaging the blinds and window sills. Start by removing dust or dirt using a non-scratch microfiber cloth. Then wet the clean, lint-free cloth with water and apply the cleaner onto the glass's surface, wiping it in the direction of a back-and-forth movement. Repeat as necessary until you have removed the stain.

If the stains still persist then you might need to resort to an even more abrasive approach. There are a variety of abrasive cleaners which can take even the toughest stains from your glass without damaging it. A few of the most popular options include steel wool scrub sponges, rough green scrub and a product referred to as a magic eraser, that is similar in texture to very fine sandpaper. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging to avoid damaging your glass.

A clean, lint-free rag or paper towel is a different way to avoid future hard-water stains. This will help get rid of the minerals before they have a chance to scratch into the surface of your glass, which can be extremely expensive and difficult to remove.

Water Damage

Even the most well-sealed windows can suffer water damage over time. The wood frames are slowly degrading due to constant exposure to weather and moisture. Eventually, the wood will begin to rot and cause major problems. If the damage is not taken care of, you could need to replace your entire window frame. However, if you catch the problem in its earliest stages, you can save expensive repair costs.

Water stains are the most common sign that your windows have experienced water damage. The stains appear as round or oval spots that are yellow, brown and white in hue. They typically form near the corners of your windows and are caused by a myriad of causes that include the absence of sunlight or an accumulation of dirt in the sill pan.

The appearance of mold around the window frame is a further sign of water damage. The growth of mold can be seen in areas with excess moisture and spread quickly throughout your home if you do not address it. This is due to the fact that mold produces the spores which can affect your health and wellbeing.

If you find that your window frames have begun to rot, you'll need to contact an expert to repair the damaged pieces. In some instances the rotting could go as far as to make the drywall sag around the frame, which can be extremely dangerous. It is also possible to look for other indicators that suggest a leaky window to identify the issue before it gets out-of-hand. You can detect the smell of musty damp wood or soft spots that feel like they are spongy.

Frames that are Rotted

Water can cause wood to decay when it is placed in wooden window frames. Wood rot isn't just ugly, but it could cause health problems for you and your family. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, then it's time to replace them.

It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood appears soft and discolored. You might also be able to see that the paint has peeled off the wood's surface. The best method to test for rot is by touching 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 decay, employ a hammer and chisel to remove the rotten area. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After the rot is removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. After the repair is complete then you can sand the wood before applying several coats of waterproof wood sealer.


The decay of window frames can lead to mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. Molds can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchy eyes if you're prone. These symptoms may be worse if you suffer from asthma.

When rotted wood 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 and Mullions

While the terms mullions and muntins sound the same and are often used interchangeably, these two components of windows serve different purposes. When you are choosing windows for your home, it's essential to know the differences between these types of windows so you can choose the best style for your home. The distinctions between a mullion and a muntin can have a significant impact on the appearance of your window as well as its functionality and authenticity.

Essentially, a muntin is any type of vertical divider that divides the glass panes within the window. However, the term "muntin" is typically reserved for inner pieces of a window while the frames that surround it are referred to as stiles and rails. It is possible that their alliterative similarities or their use as structural support elements have led to the use of these terms interchangeably.

The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, since the walls that surrounded early buildings were unable to withstand the weight of large sections of glass. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and multins are typically used on windows for aesthetic reasons.

There are currently a variety of varieties of muntins for windows, including between-the-glass styles that are integrated into actual glass units. They can be constructed of vinyl, wood or aluminum. They look like traditional multi-paned window without losing energy efficiency. Some windows come with real and fake muntins in order to create a more unique appearance.