How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are concerned about the long-term durability of their window repairs. It is possible to repair windows and enjoy their performance for many years.
Foggy windows are caused by moisture in the spaces between glass panes. This can be corrected by cleaning the windows, getting rid of the moisture and resealing them.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make viewing out of your window difficult, and reduce the amount of sunlight that is able to enter your home. Moisture and water can build up on the glass and cause wood frames and sills over time to rot. If you have windows that are always fogging it's probably due to condensation that's trapped between the two panes of your window. This is a common issue, but it should not be ignored. Foggy windows may cause rot, mildew, and mold to develop within the frame of your home and decrease energy efficiency.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air cools on a cold surface however this isn't intended to happen in your windows. This problem should not occur if you have double-paned insulated windows, unless the seal has been broken. The windows that appear cloudy are a sure indication of this issue. It's important to get them examined by a professional to determine if they are in need to be replaced.
There are a variety of DIY solutions that will help you to deal with foggy windows. Many homeowners recommend installing a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window to get rid of excess moisture. However, this won't solve the issue at hand, as moisture will continue to build up between the window's panes, if the seal is broken.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your window panes is another common way to get rid of a fog glass. Then, you'll place a desiccant, such as silica, into the holes in order to absorb moisture between your two window panes. After the moisture has been removed it is recommended to let the window completely dry before sealing the holes.
While these DIY methods are effective, they're not a permanent solution, and you'll probably see your windows be fogging up again in the future. Professional window replacement and installation will restore your windows to their original state. Contact a trusted company to learn more about how they can fix your windows and reduce the humidity in your home.
Frames that are Rotted
Mold and mildew can cause health issues for your family if wood rot develops around window sills or frames. People who are allergic to molds might suffer from itchy eyes and skin, wheezing and a stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
If the rot is only affecting just a small portion of the frame, you may be able to repair it using wood filler epoxy. If the damage is severe or if decorative elements such as mouldings are interspersed with other parts of the frame, it might be more beneficial to consider replacing windows.
If you're interested in knowing the extent of the rot that has occurred in your window frame, you can use a screwdriver or putty knife. If you press into the rot and observe it gives way easily, it is likely that the rot has penetrated deep into the wood and will not be able to be fixed by using a simple wood filler epoxy.
Ideally, you will choose wood of the same type and moisture content as the surrounding windows to splice in replacement timber. This will ensure that the splice will be sturdy and will not cause any problems in the future. It is recommended to employ an expert if you are not sure of your ability to perform this task.
Wood hardener is a common alternative to splicing fresh timber into the existing wooden frame. This is a fantastic way to stop further rot and to stabilize the existing wood. This should be done as fast as is possible after removing the affected rotten wood so that the treatment can take effect.
If the rot is serious and cannot be repaired with a splice or wood hardener, replacing the entire window could be necessary to prevent further damage to your home. While this is an expensive upfront investment, it will be more cost-effective in the long run and can also provide you with the possibility of upgrading to a more energy-efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
Despite the fact that they look similar, there's a world of difference between muntins and mullions. Understanding the differences between these two components will help homeowners ensure that they are on the same page as their window installer.
Mullions are a vertical element that divides a single window into two panes. In the past, mullions held smaller glass panes in order to create larger expanses. Mullions are used today for decorative purposes, however they can also be used in double-glazed windows to replicate the look of multi-paned windows, without sacrificing efficiency.
Muntins can also be narrow strips of wood that separate the window glass into smaller panes. They can be put in as a permanent element in a window or as a decorative accent that is removable. Muntins are made of metal or wood depending on the material they are constructed with. They can be painted or stained to match the colour scheme of a window. Muntins are often the central point of rooms in a lot of homes. They give depth and character to a room and increase the visual dimension of a room.
Although they are mostly decorative, they can also provide some boosts to home security. They are positioned between window units so an intruder must remove one of them, and breaking the second. Muntins also help to keep dust and weather from entering a house when they are in good condition.
Very few window companies make a big effort to distinguish between muntins, mullions and other types of mullions. These terms are often interchanged and even called grilles in informal usage. It's best to avoid this confusion as it could be confusing for buyers of homes.
It is also important to note that while mullions and muntins are used for structural purposes but they aren't required in modern windows. Regardless of their function they are crucial to create functional and aesthetically pleasing windows. When choosing the best windows for your home you should consider the style of your home and the maintenance requirements of your property. Select the type of window that best suits your needs.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-pane windows are known for their energy efficiency and insulation properties. However the possibility of a break or crack in the window could reduce these benefits and result in higher heating and cooling expenses, condensation, and water damage to your office or home.
Double pane windows consist of two sheets of glass that have gaps in between which is usually filled with inert gases such as argon to block heat transfer and also to insulate the window. If one of the panes begins to crack or leak the gas will escape and your window will be less efficient.
If a double pane window appears foggy or has visible condensate, the window seals have failed and allowing in moisture. This air can cause the silica gel pellets which are in between the two panes to swell up, which causes condensation inside the window. If a window reaches this level, it needs to be replaced.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost to replace their double-pane windows. However, it is important to consider the fact that replacing windows could be more cost-effective over time. Repair services are more frequently required for double-paned windows that is damaged, cracked, or leaky than a brand new window. It can also increase the possibility of water infiltration, which can lead to mold or mildew development.
Double-pane windows can also increase the value of a house and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Double-paned windows offer many other benefits including reduced noise pollution, lower energy bills, and a decrease in your monthly energy bill.
If you're not sure whether your window has a double or single pane, you can place a piece of furniture against the glass. If you only see one reflection you have single pane windows. Two reflections indicates a double-pane window. A professional can assess the integrity of your window and determine if it is in need of replacement or repaired. A trained window doctor will usually be able repair a double-paned window without having to replace the entire unit. This could save you both time and money.