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.
The spaces between the glass panes creates foggy windows. This can be fixed by cleaning the windows, removing the moisture and resealing them.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make it difficult to look through your windows, obscuring the view and reducing natural light that enters your home. Moisture and water can build up on the glass and cause wood frames and sills over time to rot. If your window is constantly fogged up, the cause is probably condensation that has accumulated between the two panes. This is a common problem but shouldn't be ignored. The condensation of windows can cause mildew, rot and mold to grow in the frame of your house and decrease energy efficiency.
Condensation happens when warm, moist air cools on the surface that is cold. This shouldn't occur in your windows. This issue shouldn't occur if you have double-paned insulated windows, unless the seal is broken. 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 if or not they need replacing.
There are several DIY solutions that can assist you to get rid of windows that are hazy. Many homeowners will recommend installing a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window to get rid of excess moisture. However, this won't solve the root of the problem, since moisture will continue to accumulate between the window's panes, if the seal is broken.
Drilling holes into the top and bottom of your window panes is a different method to combat a foggy glass. You'll then place an desiccant, like silica gel in the holes to help absorb the moisture between the two panes of your window. After the moisture is removed, you should allow the window to completely dry before sealing the holes.
While these DIY methods can work but they're not a long-term solution, and you'll be likely to discover that your windows will get a second chance to fog up in the near future. In the long run an expert window replacement and installation service will be your best bet for restoring your windows back to their original condition. Contact a trusted window company today to learn more about how they can repair your windows and help you reduce the humidity inside your home.
Rotted Frames
Wood rot around windows' frames and sills could result in mildew or even mold, which is harmful for your family's health. People who are sensitive to molds might suffer from itchy eyes and skin, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
If the rot is limited to a small portion of the frame, it may be able of being repaired with an epoxy for wood filler. If the damage is extensive or if decorative elements like mouldings cross-link with other elements of the frame, it is possible to invest in replacement windows.
If you're interested in knowing the extent of the rot that has occurred in your window frame, use the screwdriver or putty knife. If you push on the rot and it swells up it is likely to have penetrated deep into the wood. A simple wood filler epoxy is not enough to fix it.
It is recommended to select wood that is of the same type and moisture content as the windows surrounding it to splice into replacement timber. This will ensure the splice will last and will not cause any issues in the future. It is recommended to employ a professional if you are not sure about your ability to perform this task.
An alternative to cutting new timber is to treat the existing wooden frame with wood hardener. This is an effective method of stabilizing the existing timber and stop further problems with decay. This must be done as quickly as possible after removing the affected rotten timber to allow the treatment to be effective.
If the rot is serious and cannot be repaired with a splice or wood hardener, replacing the entire window could be required to prevent further damage to your home. While this is an expensive upfront investment however, it is more affordable in the long term and will also give you the possibility of upgrading to a more energy efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
While they might appear similar, muntins are different from Mullions. Knowing the differences between these two components can assist homeowners to ensure they're on the same page with their window installer.
Mullions are vertical components that split a single piece of glass into two. In earlier times the mullions were required to keep smaller glass panes in place to create larger expanses of window glass. Today, mullions are generally used for decorative purposes but can be included as part of a double-glazed system that mimics the appearance of windows with multiple panes without sacrificing energy efficiency.
In addition, muntins are thin strips of wood that divide the window glass into smaller panes. They can be used as a permanent feature or removable decorative accent. Muntins are constructed of metal or wood, depending on the material they are constructed with. They can be stained or painted to match a window's color scheme. In many homes, muntins can be an important focal point in the room, adding details and dimension that amplify the size of a window.
While muntins are primarily decorative, they can offer some added security to homes. Because they are located between window units, a break-in could require breaking one and then removing another to gain access. Muntins can also keep out weather and debris from entering a home if they remain intact.
Very few window manufacturers make an effort to differentiate between muntins, mullions and other kinds of mullions. As a result, these terms are often used interchangeably and even colloquially referred to as grilles. This confusion can be confusing for buyers of homes.
Modern windows do not require muntins or mullions even although they are useful for structural purposes. Regardless of their function they are essential for creating both functional and aesthetically pleasing windows. When selecting the right windows for your home, you must take into consideration the style of your home and the maintenance needs of your home. Choose the kind of window that best represents these factors.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-pane windows are famous for their energy efficiency and insulating properties. A break or crack can decrease these benefits, leading to an increase in cooling and heating costs, condensation and water damage in your home or office.
Double pane windows are made up of two glass sheets with an opening in between, which is usually filled with inert gases like argon to prevent heat transfer and also to insulate the window. If one pane develops cracks or leaks, gas can escape and your window will be less efficient.
If a double pane windows appears to be foggy or shows visible condensation, it is because the window seals are failing and allowing in humid air. The air causes silica gel to expand and form condensation in the window. A window that is at this level will probably need to be replaced.
Many homeowners are worried about the cost to replace their double-pane window. However, it's important to consider the fact that replacing windows could be more affordable in the long run. Repair services are more frequently required when a double-paned window is damaged or cracked, or leaky than a new window. It also increases the chance of moisture intrusion. This could cause mold and mildew growth that could impact your family's health.
Double-pane windows can also boost the value of a home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Double-pane windows also offer a range of other benefits, including reduced noise pollution and lower energy costs.
If you're unsure whether your window is 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 evaluate the quality of your window and decide if it requires replacement or repaired. A qualified window doctor will typically be able repair a double-paned window without having to replace the entire unit. This will save you time and money.