How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are worried about the durability of their window repair. However, it is possible to repair windows and still enjoy their performance for years to come.
The reason for the windows to be cloudy is condensation in the spaces between glass panes. This can be corrected through cleaning the windows to eliminate the moisture and resealing the windows.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make seeing out of your window difficult and reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Moisture and water can build up on the glass and cause wooden frames and sills over time to rot. If you have a window that's always fogging it's likely to be due to condensation that's trapped between the two panes of your window. Although this is a typical issue, it's not one to ignore. Foggy windows can lead to rot, mold, and mildew growth in the frame of your home, as well as an increase in energy efficiency.
Condensation happens when warm, moist air cools on the surface that is cold. This shouldn't be a problem with your windows. If you have double-paned windows that are insulated, you should not encounter this issue unless the seal is damaged. Windows that are cloudy are a clear sign of this issue, and it's important to have them looked at by an expert to determine whether or not they need replacing.
There are a variety of DIY solutions that will help you to deal with foggy windows. Many homeowners suggest applying a dehumidifier to the window to get rid of excess moisture. This will not solve the issue, since moisture remains trapped between the window panes after the seal has been damaged.
Another common method for dealing with a foggy window is drilling holes in the top and bottom of each windowpane. Then, you'll put an insulator 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 let the window completely dry before sealing the holes.
These DIY methods might work, but they are not a permanent solution. You'll likely notice that your windows are prone to fog in the near future. Professional window replacement and installation will bring your windows to their original state. Contact a reputable company to find out how they can fix your windows and decrease the humidity inside your home.
Rotted Frames
Mold and mildew can cause health issues for your family if wood rot is found around window frames or sills. People who are sensitive to mold may have itchy eyes and skin, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and breathing difficulties.
If the rot is confined to a tiny portion of the frame, it may be able to be fixed with a wood filler epoxy. If the damage is severe or if decorative elements such as mouldings intersect with other parts of the window frame, it is possible to purchase replacement windows.
If you're looking to determine the extent of the rot that has occurred in your window frame, try using the screwdriver or putty knife. If you press into the rot and observe it sways easily, it's a sign that the rot has penetrated deeply into the wood and will not be able to be repaired with a simple wood filler epoxy.
To replace the timber, you should make use of wood that has the same moisture content and type as the windows around it. This will ensure the splice will last and will not cause any issues in future. If you are not sure about your abilities to do this work, it is always best to consult a professional.
An alternative to splicing in new timber is to treat the frame of wood that is already in place with wood hardener. This is a fantastic way to prevent further rot and to stabilize the existing wood. This should be done immediately after removing any rotten wood to allow the treatment to work.
If the rot is serious and cannot be treated using a splice, or wood hardener replacing the entire window might be necessary to avoid further damage to your home. While this is an expensive upfront investment but it's more cost-effective in the long run and could also give you the opportunity to upgrade to a more energy efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look identical, muntins look different from mullions. Knowing the differences between these two parts can assist homeowners to ensure they're on the same page as their window contractor.
Mullions are a vertical element that divides a single window into two panes. In the past, mullions held smaller glass panes that were then arranged to form larger expanses. Today, mullions are typically used for decorative purposes, but could be part of a double-glazed system that mimics the appearance of multiple-pane windows without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Muntins can also be narrow pieces of wood used to divide the individual panes of window glass. They can be used as a permanent element in windows or as a removable decorative accent. Muntins are made from wood or metal according to their construction. They can be stained or painted to match the color scheme of a window. In many homes, muntins are an important focal point in the room, adding details and dimension that amplify a window's visual size.
While muntins are primarily decorative, they can also provide some boosts to home security. They are positioned between windows, so the break-in process involves removing one muntin and breaking the other. In addition, muntins that remain intact aid in keeping out the elements and other debris that might otherwise infiltrate the interior of a house.
Very few window manufacturers make an effort to differentiate between muntins, mullions and the various types of mullions. In the end, these terms are frequently used interchangeably and are colloquially called grilles. It is best to steer clear of this confusion, as it could be confusing for buyers of homes.
Modern windows don't require mullions or muntins, even they are used for structural reasons. Regardless of their function they are essential for creating both attractive and functional windows. When selecting the best windows for your home, make certain to consider the style of your home's architecture and the amount of maintenance you are willing to take on. Select the window doctor that best suits your needs.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are renowned for their energy efficiency, and also for their excellent insulation properties. A crack or break could decrease these benefits, resulting in higher heating and cooling costs and condensation as well as water damage at your office or home.
Double pane windows are made up of two sheets of glass that have a gap in between, which is typically filled with inert gases like argon to prevent heat transfer and to further insulate the window. However, if one the panes develops a crack or leak the gas will escape and the window will be less efficient.
If a double pane window appears to be foggy or shows visible condensation, the window seals have failed and allowing in moisture. This air can cause silica gel to expand and cause condensation to form in the window. If a window reaches this level, it needs to be replaced.
Many homeowners are worried about the cost to replace their double-pane window. However, it is crucial to consider that replacing windows can be more affordable in the long run. Repair services will be required more often for a double-paned window that is damaged, cracked, or leaky than a new window. It can also increase the chance of moisture infiltration, which can cause mold or mildew development.
Double-pane windows also can increase the value of a home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Double-paned windows offer many other advantages, including less noise pollution, lower energy bills, and a decrease in your monthly energy costs.
If you're unsure whether your window is a double-pane or single-pane, place an object against the glass's exterior. If you see one reflection, you have single-pane windows; two reflections indicate a double pane window. A professional can assess the integrity of your double-pane window and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. A trained window doctor will usually be able to repair a double-paned window without having to replace the entire unit. This can help you save time and money.