Blog entry by Tamera Zwar
How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are worried about the longevity of their window repairs. It is possible to fix windows and enjoy their performance for a long time.
Foggy windows are caused by the presence of moisture in the gaps between glass panes. This can be corrected by cleaning the windows, eliminating the moisture and resealing them.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make seeing outside your window difficult and reduce the amount of natural light that can enter your home. Water and moisture can accumulate on the glass and cause wood frames and sills over time to begin to decay. If your window is always fogging up, the reason is likely condensation trapped between the two panes. Although this is a typical issue, it's certainly not something to ignore. Foggy windows may cause mildew, rot, and mold to develop in your home's frame and decrease energy efficiency.
Condensation forms when moist, warm air cools on the cold surface, but this isn't supposed to occur in your windows. This issue shouldn't occur in double-paned windows, unless the seal has been broken. Foggy windows are an obvious indication of this. It's important to get them examined by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
The good news is that there are a number of DIY solutions to get rid of foggy windows. Many homeowners suggest placing a dehumidifier close to the window in order to get rid of any excess moisture. However, this will not resolve the problem, as moisture remains trapped between the window panes once the seal is damaged.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your window panes is another method used to combat a foggy glass. Then, you'll insert a desiccant, such as silica, into the holes in order to absorb moisture between your two panes of glass. After the moisture has been removed then you must allow the window to completely dry before sealing the holes.
These DIY methods may work, but they are not a permanent fix. You'll probably find that your windows fog up again in the door doctors near me future. Professional window replacement and installation will restore your windows back to their original condition. Contact a reputable window manufacturer today to learn more about the ways they can fix your windows and help you reduce the amount of humidity in your home.
Rotted Frames
Mold and mildew can cause health problems for your family members if wood rot occurs around window sills or frames. People who are sensitive to molds might have itchy eyes and skin, wheezing and a stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
If the rot only affects just a small portion of the frame, you might be able to fix it with wood filler epoxy. If the damage is extensive or if decorative features like mouldings are interspersed with other parts of the frame, it may be better to invest in replacement windows.
If you want to know the extent of the rot in your window frame, you can use the screwdriver or putty knife. If you push against the rot and it swells up, the rot is likely to have penetrated deeply into the wood. A simple epoxy for filling in the gaps is not enough to repair the damage.
To replace the timber, you should use wood with the same type of moisture content and the same type as the windows around it. This will ensure the splice will be durable and will not cause any issues in future. It is best to hire an expert if you are not sure about your ability to do this work.
Wood hardener is a common alternative to splicing new wood into the existing wooden frame. This is a great method to stop further rot and stabilize the existing wood. This must be done as quickly as possible after the removal of the affected wood to allow the treatment to take effect.
If the rot is serious and cannot be repaired using a splice, or wood hardener, replacing the entire window may be required to prevent further damage to your home. While this is a larger initial investment however, it is more cost-effective in the long run and can also provide you with the opportunity to upgrade to a more energy efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look the same, muntins are distinct from mullions. Understanding the distinctions between these two components will allow homeowners to ensure that they are on the same page as their window contractor.
Mullions are vertical components that divide a single sheet of glass into two. In earlier times the mullions were required to hold smaller glass panes together to create larger expanses of window glass. Today, mullions are used for decorative purposes, but they can also be included in double-glazed windows to replicate the appearance of multi-paned windows, without sacrificing energy-efficiency.
Muntins can also be narrow strips of wood used to divide the individual panes of glass. They can be put in as a permanent feature in the window or used as a decorative accent that can be removed. Muntins are made of metal or wood, according to their construction. They can be stained or painted to match a window's color scheme. Muntins are usually the central point of rooms in a lot of homes. They give depth and character to a room that increases its visual size.
Muntins, though mostly decorative but they also serve to increase security for your home. Because they are located between window units, a break-in would require breaking one muntin and then removing another to gain entry. Additionally, muntins that remain intact can help keep out the weather and other debris that might otherwise enter the home.
The majority of window manufacturers do not invest a lot of energy in separating the distinctions between muntins and mullions. These terms are often interchanged and even called grilles in colloquial usage. It is best to steer clear of this confusion, since it could be confusing for homebuyers.
Modern windows do not require muntins or mullions even although they are useful for structural purposes. These window features are important for both functional and aesthetically pleasing Windows. When selecting the right windows for your home you should consider the architectural style and maintenance requirements of your property. Choose the window and door doctor near me type that best fits your requirements.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are well-known for their energy efficiency and they also have excellent insulation properties. A break or crack can decrease these benefits, leading to an increase in cooling and heating costs, condensation and water damage at your office or home.
Double pane windows are made up of two sheets of tempered glass with space between them. The gap is filled with an inert gas like argon, windows upvc door doctor near me (https://Wikimapia.org/) which blocks heat transfer and insulates the window. If one pane develops cracks or leaks, gas will escape, and the window will not be as efficient.
A double pane window that appears to be foggy or has visible condensation means that the window seals have failed and are letting in moisture-laden air. This air causes the silica gel pellets which are located between the two panes of glass to swell up, which leads to condensation in the window. If a window gets to this level, it needs to be replaced.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost to replace their double-pane window. However, it's crucial to consider that replacing windows could be more affordable over time. A double-pane window and door doctor that is damaged, broken, or leaking will require repair more often than a new window. It also increases the likelihood of moisture intrusion. This could cause mold and mildew that could impact your family's health.
Another reason to think about replacing your double pane windows is because they boost the value of your home, which will increase its appeal to potential buyers. Double-paned windows provide many additional advantages like less noise pollution, lower energy bills and a reduction in your monthly energy bills.
If you're not sure whether your window is double or single pane, put an object against the outside glass. If you see one reflection, you have single pane windows. Two reflections are indicative of a double pane window. A professional can assess the quality of your window and decide if it requires replacement or repaired. A qualified windowdoctor can often repair a double-pane windows without replacing the entire unit thus saving time and money.