How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are concerned 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 fixed by cleaning the windows to eliminate the moisture, and then replacing the seals on the windows.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make viewing out of your window difficult, and reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Water and moisture can accumulate on the glass and cause wooden frames and sills over time to begin to decay. If you have windows that are constantly leaking it's probably due to condensation trapped in between the two panes of your window. While this is a frequent problem, it's not something to ignore. Windows that are sluggish can cause mold, rot, and mildew growth within the frame of your home, and the loss of energy efficiency.
Condensation occurs when warm moist, humid air cools down on a surface that is cold. This shouldn't occur in your windows. If you have double-paned insulated windows, you should not have this issue unless the seal has broken. Foggy windows are a clear indication of this problem, and it is important to have them looked at by an expert to determine if they require replacement.
There are several DIY solutions that will help you to deal with foggy Windows. Many homeowners recommend installing a dehumidifier near the window to eliminate excess moisture. This will not solve the problem, as moisture continues to build up between the windowpanes when the seal has been damaged.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your window panes is a different method to combat a foggy glass. Then, you'll place a desiccant, such as silica, into the holes to absorb moisture between the two window panes. After the moisture is removed it is recommended to allow the window to completely dry before sealing the holes.
These DIY methods may work, but they're not a permanent solution. You'll likely find that your windows fog up in the near future. Professional window replacement and installation can restore your windows to their original state. Contact a reputable window company today to find out more about how they can repair your windows and help you reduce the humidity in your home.
Frames that are Rotted
Mold and mildew can cause health problems for your family if wood rot develops around window frames or sills. The sensitivity to mold can cause itchy skin and eyes, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
If the rot only affects a small part of the frame, you might be able to repair it using wood filler epoxy. If the damage is significant or if decorative elements like mouldings are interspersed with other parts of the frame, it is possible to invest in replacement windows.
To find out the extent of the rot on your window frame take a gentle probe with a putty knife or screwdriver. If you push against the rot, and it gives the rot is likely to have penetrated into the wood. A simple epoxy for filling in the gaps will not be enough to repair it.
To replace the timber, choose wood that has the same type of moisture content and type as the windows around it. This will ensure that the splice is robust and won't cause further problems in the future. If you are unsure about your abilities to do this job, it's always best to call in a professional.
A common method of the splicing process is to treat the existing wooden frame using wood hardener. This is a great way to prevent further rot and to stabilize the existing wood. This should be done as soon as possible after removing any rotten wood to allow the treatment time to work.
If the window's rot is serious and isn't repaired by a splice, or with wood hardener it might be necessary to replace the entire window in order to avoid further damage. This may be a bigger expense initially but it will pay off in the end. You may also opt to upgrade to windows that are more energy efficient.
Muntins & Mullions
Despite the fact that they appear identical, there's a world of distinctions between muntins and mullions. Understanding the distinctions between these two parts will aid homeowners in ensuring they're on the same page as their window installer.
Mullions are vertical components that divide a single sheet of glass into two. In the past, mullions sheltered smaller glass panes to form larger expanses. Mullions are used today for decorative purposes, however they are also a part in double-glazed windows to mimic the appearance of multi-paned windows, without sacrificing efficiency in energy usage.
Muntins are also thin pieces of wood used to separate the individual panes of glass. They can be used as an element that is permanent or a decorative accent. Muntins are made of metal or wood depending on their construction. They can be stained or painted to match the color scheme of a window. Muntins are often the centerpiece of rooms in many homes. They provide depth and dimension to a room that increases its visual size.
Muntins are primarily decorative in nature, can also help to increase security for your home. Since they sit in between window units, a break-in could require breaking one and then removing the other to gain entry. In addition, muntins that remain intact will help keep out the weather and debris that would otherwise enter the interior of a house.
Very few window manufacturers make an effort to distinguish between muntins, mullions and the various types of mullions. This is why these terms are often used interchangeably, and are colloquially called grilles. It is important to avoid this confusion, as it can be confusing for homeowners.
Modern windows do not require muntins or mullions, even though they serve structural purposes. No matter what their purpose, these window features are crucial to create attractive and functional windows. When choosing the right windows for your home, be sure to consider the design of your home and the amount of maintenance you are willing to take on. Then, choose the type of window that best reflects these elements.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are well-known for their energy efficiency, and also for their excellent insulation properties. Unfortunately cracks or breaks in the window could significantly diminut these benefits and result in an increase in heating and cooling costs, condensation, and water damage to your home or office.
Double pane windows consist of two sheets of tempered glass that have space between them. The gap is filled with an inert gas like argon, which stops heat transfer and also insulates the window. However, if one the panes develops a crack or leak, the gas will escape and your window will be less efficient.
A double pane window that appears hazy or has visible condensation means that the window seals have failed and are letting in moist air. This air can cause the silica gel pellets which are between the two panes to expand up, which causes condensation in the window. If a window gets to this level, it needs to be replaced.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of replacing their double-pane windows but it's important to think that replacement may be more affordable in the long run. A double-pane window that is damaged, cracked, or leaking will require repair more often than a new window. It can also increase the possibility of water infiltration, which could result in mildew or mold growth.
Another reason to consider replacing your double pane windows is that they can increase the value of your home, which can make it more appealing to prospective buyers. Double-paned windows provide many additional benefits including reduced noise pollution, lower costs for energy and a reduction in your monthly energy costs.
If double glazing doctors if your window has a double or single pane, put an object against the glass. If you only see one reflection, you have single-pane windows. Two reflections indicate a double pane window. A professional can determine the quality of your window and decide if it requires replacement or repaired. A qualified window doctor is able to repair a double-pane window without replacing the entire window, saving you time and money.