How to Have Your Windows Repaired and Still Enjoy Their Performance For Years to Come
Many homeowners are worried about the long-term durability of their window repairs. It is possible to fix windows and enjoy their performance for a long time.
Moisture in the spaces between the glass panes is what creates foggy windows. This can be corrected by cleaning the windows, getting rid of the moisture, and then sealing them.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make seeing outside your window difficult. They also reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home. They can also cause water and moisture to build up on the glass, leading to wood frames and sills to rot over time. If you have windows that are constantly leaking, it's likely due to condensation trapped in between the two panes of your window. This is a common problem, but it shouldn't be ignored. The condensation of windows can cause mildew, rot and mold to grow within the frame of your home and lower energy efficiency.
Condensation happens when moist, warm air cools on a cold surface, but this isn't supposed to occur in your windows. This issue shouldn't occur if you have double-paned insulated windows, unless the seal has been broken. Windows that are smudgey are a clear indication of this. It is important to have them examined by a professional to determine if they are in need to be replaced.
There are many DIY solutions that can assist you to get rid of windows doctor that are hazy. Many homeowners suggest installing a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window to get rid of excess moisture. However, this won't solve the underlying issue, as the moisture will continue to accumulate between the window doctors's panes, if the seal is broken.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your window panes is another common way to combat a foggy glass. You'll then insert an desiccant, like silica gel, into the holes to help absorb the moisture between the two panes of your window. After the moisture has been removed, you should let the window completely dry before sealing the holes.
While these DIY methods are effective, they're not a permanent solution and you'll likely find that your windows will get a second chance to fog up in the near future. Professional window replacement and installation will bring your windows back to their original state. Contact a trusted window company today to find out more about the ways they can fix your windows and reduce the amount of humidity in your home.
Frames that are Rotted
Mildew and mold can cause health issues for your family if wood rot develops around window sills or frames. People who are sensitive to mold may experience itchy eyes and skin, wheezing, 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 extensive or if decorative features like mouldings cross-link with other elements of the frame, it is possible to consider replacing windows.
To assess the extent of rot on your window frame you can gently test it with a putty knife screwdriver. If you force your way into the rot and observe it is able to move easily, it's a sign that the rot has penetrated deeply into the wood and will not be able to be repaired with a wood filler epoxy.
Ideally, you should use wood that is the same type and moisture content as the windows surrounding it to splice the replacement timber. This will ensure that the splice will be robust and won't cause any problems in the future. It is recommended to employ an expert if not certain of your capability to do this work.
Wood hardener is a popular alternative to splicing new wood into the existing wooden frame. This is an effective method of stabilizing the existing timber and prevent further problems with decay. This should be done as soon as possible after removing any rotten wood to allow the treatment to work.
If the rot is extensive and cannot be repaired by a splice or a wood hardener replacing the entire window could be necessary to avoid further damage to your home. Although this is a bigger upfront investment, it will be more cost-effective in the long term and could also give you the opportunity to upgrade to a more energy-efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
While they might appear similar, muntins are distinct from Mullions. Understanding the differences between these two components will help homeowners ensure that they're on the same page with their window contractor.
Mullions are vertical parts that split a single piece of glass into two. In the past, mullions were used to hold smaller glass panes to form larger expanses. Today, mullions are used for decorative purposes, however they are also a part in double-glazed windows to replicate the look of multi-paned windows while preserving efficiency in energy usage.
Muntins can also be thin pieces of wood used to separate the individual panes of glass. They can be used as a permanent feature or removable decorative accent. Depending on the construction muntins can be constructed out of either metal or wood. They can be stained or painted to match the color of a window scheme. In many homes, muntins may be the focal point of an area, providing detail and dimension that enhance a window's visual size.
While muntins are primarily decorative, they can also provide some added security to homes. They are usually placed between windows, so an intruder must remove one muntin, then breaking the second. Muntins can also keep debris and weather from entering homes if they remain intact.
Few window companies invest a lot of energy in separating the distinctions between muntins and mullions. These terms are often used interchangeably and even called grilles in the context of colloquial usage. This confusion can be confusing to homeowners.
Modern windows don't require mullions or muntins, even they are used for structural reasons. These window features are important for both functional and aesthetically appealing Windows. When selecting the right windows for your home you must take into consideration the style of your home and the maintenance requirements of your property. Then, select the kind of window that best reflects these aspects.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are renowned for their energy efficiency, and also for their excellent insulation properties. However, a crack or break in the window could significantly reduce the benefits of these windows and cause higher heating and cooling expenses, condensation, and water damage to your home or office.
Double pane windows consist of two sheets of glass with a gap in between, which is typically filled with inert gases such as argon to block heat transfer and to further insulate the window. If one of these panes develops a crack or leak the gas will escape and glazing Doctor the window will be less efficient.
A double pane window that appears hazy or has visible condensation means that the window seals have failed and allow in moisture-laden air. This air causes the silica gel pellets which are between the two panes to expand and cause condensation in the window. A window that has reached this level will probably need to be replaced.
Many homeowners are worried about the cost of replacing their double-pane windows, however, it's important to remember that replacing them could be more economical in the long in the long run. Repair services are more frequently required for double-paned windows that is damaged, cracked, or leaky, than a new window. It can also increase the possibility of water infiltration, which can cause mold or mildew growth.
Another reason to consider replacing your double pane windows is that they increase the value of your home, which can make it more attractive to future buyers. Double-paned windows also offer a variety of advantages like less noise pollution, lower energy bills and a reduction in your monthly energy bill.
If you're not sure whether your window is single-pane or double-pane, hold an item against the outside of the glass. If you only see one reflection, you have single pane windows. Two reflections are indicative of that the window is double-pane. A professional can assess the condition of your double-pane window and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. A qualified windowdoctor can often repair a double-pane window, without replacing the entire window thus saving time and money.