How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are concerned about the durability of their window repairs. It is possible to fix windows and enjoy their performance for many years.
Windows that are cloudy are caused by condensation in the spaces between the glass panes. This can be addressed by cleaning the windows to eliminate the moisture, and then resealing the windows.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make looking outside your window difficult, and reduce the amount of sunlight that can enter your home. Water and moisture can accumulate on the glass and cause wood frames and sills over time to rot. If your window is constantly fogging up it's probably due to condensation that's trapped between the two panes of your window. While this is a common issue, it's not one to ignore. Foggy windows can cause rot, mildew, and mold to form in your home's frame and lower energy efficiency.
Condensation happens when warm, moist humid air cools on an object that is cold. This shouldn't be a problem with your windows. If you have double-pane insulated windows, you should not have this issue unless the seal has been damaged. The windows that appear cloudy are a sure sign of this issue, and it's important to have them examined by a professional to determine whether or not they need replacing.
The good news is that there are plenty of DIY solutions to help you deal with foggy windows. Many homeowners recommend installing a dehumidifier near the window to get rid of any excess moisture. But this doesn't address the issue at hand, as the moisture will continue to build up between your windowpanes in the event that the seal is damaged.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your windowpanes is another method used to get rid of a fog glass. Then, you'll put a desiccant such as silica into the holes in order to absorb water between your two window panes. Once the moisture has been eliminated, you should let the window completely dry before sealing the holes.
While these DIY techniques can be effective however, they're not a lasting solution, and you'll be likely to discover that your windows will be prone to fogging in the future. In the end, a professional window replacement and installation service will be your best option for restoring your windows to their original condition. Contact a reputable business to learn more about how they can repair your windows and decrease the humidity in your home.
Frames that are Rotted
Wood rot around window frames and sills can cause mildew or mold, which could be detrimental to your family's health. People who are sensitive to mold may suffer from itchy eyes and skin, wheezing, stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
If the rot is confined to a small area of the frame, it may be able to be repaired with a wood filler epoxy. However should the damage extend to a large portion of the frame, or into areas where decorative elements like mouldings intersect with other parts of the window, it is more likely to consider investing in new windows that will help keep your home safe and secure from water damage.
To find out the extent of rot in your window frame take a gentle probe with a putty knife screwdriver. If you push into the rot and find it is able to move easily, it's a sign that the rot has penetrated deep into the wood and won't be able to be corrected with a simple wood filler epoxy.
Ideally, you should select wood that is of the same type and moisture content as the windows surrounding it to splice in replacement timber. This will ensure that the splice is robust and won't lead to further issues in the future. It is best to hire an expert if not sure of your ability to perform this task.
Wood hardener is an common alternative to splicing new wood into the existing wooden frame. This is a great way to stop further rot and strengthen the existing wood. This should be done as soon as possible after removing any decayed wood to allow the treatment to be effective.
If the rot is serious and cannot be repaired with a splice or wood hardener replacing the entire window could be required to prevent further damage to your home. It may be a greater investment up front, but it will pay off in the long run. You could also consider upgrading to windows that are more energy efficient.
Muntins & Mullions
Despite the fact that they appear identical however, there's a vast distinctions between muntins and mullions. Knowing the differences between these two components can aid homeowners in ensuring they're on the same page as their window contractor.
Mullions are a vertical element that divides a single window into two panes. In earlier times the mullions were required to hold smaller glass panes together to create larger expanses of window glass. Today, mullions are generally used for decorative reasons but could be part of double-glazed systems that mimic the appearance of multiple-pane windows without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Muntins can also be narrow strips of wood that split windows into smaller panes. They can be used as an element that is permanent or a decorative accent. Muntins are made from wood or metal depending on their construction. They can be painted or stained to match the color scheme of a window. In many homes, muntins are an important focal point in a room, adding detail and dimension that amplify the visual dimension of windows.
While double glazing doctors are primarily decorative, they can also provide some boosts to home security. They are positioned between the windows, and the break-in process involves removing one of them, and breaking the second. In addition, muntins which remain intact can help to keep out the elements and other debris that might otherwise infiltrate the interior of a house.
Few window companies invest a lot of energy to distinguish the distinctions between mullions and muntins. They are often used interchangeably and even called grilles in colloquial usage. It's best to avoid this confusion, since it can be confusing to homebuyers.
Modern windows do not require muntins or mullions, even although they are useful for structural purposes. These window features are important to both functional and aesthetic appealing windows. When choosing the best windows for your home you should consider the architectural style and maintenance requirements of your property. Then, choose the type of window that best represents these aspects.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are well-known for their energy efficiency, and also for their excellent insulation properties. However, a crack or break in the window could diminish these benefits and result in higher costs for cooling and heating as well as condensation and water damage to your office or home.
Double pane windows comprise two sheets of glass that have an opening in between, which is typically filled with inert gases such as Argon to stop heat transfer and to further insulate the window. However, if one of these panes develops a leak or crack, the gas will escape and your window will become less efficient.
A double pane window that appears foggy or has visible condensation means that the window seals have failed and are letting in moist air. This air can cause silica gels to expand, causing condensation to form within the window. A window that is at this level will probably require replacement.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of replacing their double-pane window. However, it's important to consider the fact that replacing windows could be more cost-effective over time. Repair services are more frequently required when a double-paned window is damaged or cracked, or leaky than a brand new window. It can also increase the possibility of water infiltration, which can cause mold or mildew development.
Another reason to think about replacing your double pane windows is that they can increase the value of your home, which could increase its appeal to future buyers. Double-paned windows offer many other benefits including reduced noise pollution, lower energy bills, and a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
If you're not sure whether your window is double-pane or single-pane, place an item against the glass's exterior. If you only see one reflection, you have single pane windows. Two reflections are indicative of a double-pane window. A professional can assess the quality of the double-pane windows and determine whether it should be repaired or replaced. A trained window doctor can usually repair a double-pane windows without replacing the entire unit thus saving time and money.