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. 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 moisture in the spaces between the glass panes. This can be corrected through cleaning the windows to get rid of the moisture, and then replacing the seals on the windows.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make looking outside your window difficult. They also reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home. The accumulation of moisture and water on the glass and cause wood frames and sills to rot. If your window is always fogging up, the reason is likely to be condensation that has been trapped between the two panes. This is a common problem, but it isn't something to ignore. Foggy windows can cause mildew, rot and mold to grow within the frame of your home and decrease energy efficiency.
Condensation occurs when warm moist air cools on an object that is cold. This shouldn't happen in your windows. This problem should not occur in double-paned windows, unless the seal has been broken. The windows that appear cloudy are a sure indication of this. It is important to have them examined by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
The good news is that there are a variety of DIY solutions that can help you combat foggy windows. Many homeowners suggest installing a dehumidifier near the window in order to remove excess moisture. However, this will not solve the issue at hand, as moisture will continue to accumulate between the window panes when the seal is damaged.
Another method of dealing with a foggy window involves drilling holes in the top and bottom of each pane. Then, you'll insert a desiccant such as silica into the holes in order to absorb water between your two window panes. After the moisture has been removed from your window, it is important to let the window dry completely before sealing the holes.
While these DIY methods can work but they're not a long-term solution, and you'll be likely to find that your windows will get a second chance to fog up in the future. In the end replacing your windows by a professional and installation service will be your best bet for restoring your windows to their original state. Contact a trusted window company today to learn more about how they can repair your windows and help you reduce the amount of humidity inside your home.
Rotted Frames
The rotting of wood around window frames and sills can cause mildew or mold, which could be harmful for your family's health. People who are allergic to molds might have itchy eyes and skin, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
If the rot is only affecting a small part of the frame, you might be able repair it with 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 invest in replacement windows.
To determine the extent of rot in your window frame you can gently test it with a putty knife or screwdriver. If you push on the rot, and it gives easily, the rot is likely to have penetrated into the wood. A simple epoxy for filling in the gaps is not enough to repair the damage.
To replace the timber, use wood with the same type of moisture content and the same type as the windows around it. This will ensure that the splice will be durable and will not cause any problems in the future. If you aren't sure of your abilities to do this task, it's always best to consult a professional.
A common method of the splicing process is to treat the frame of wood that is already in place with wood hardener. This is a great method of stabilizing the existing timber and stop any further problems caused by rot. This should be done promptly 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 might be necessary to prevent further damage to your home. It could be a larger investment up front, but it will pay off in the long run. You could also consider upgrading to windows that are more energy efficient.
Muntins & Mullions
While they might appear identical, muntins look distinct from mullions. Knowing the differences between these two parts can help homeowners make sure they're on the same page with their window contractor.
The mullion is a vertical part that divides a window into two panes. In the past, mullions were necessary to hold smaller glass panes together to form larger expanses of window glass. Mullions are now used for decorative purposes, but they can also be included in a double-glazed window system to replicate the look of multi-paned windows while preserving efficiency.
Muntins can also be narrow strips of wood that are used to divide the panes of window glass. They can be used as a permanent feature or removable decorative accent. Muntins are made of metal or wood depending on their construction. They can be painted or stained to match the window's color scheme. In many homes, muntins can be a focal point of a room, adding detail and dimension to amplify the visual dimension of windows.
While muntins are primarily decorative, they can also provide some security benefits to your home. Because they are situated between windows, a break-in could require breaking one and then removing another to gain entry. In addition, muntins which remain intact will aid in keeping out the elements and debris that would otherwise enter the interior of a house.
The majority of window manufacturers do not invest a lot of energy into differentiating the differences between muntins and mullions. These terms are often interchanged and are sometimes referred to as grilles in informal usage. This confusion can be confusing to homebuyers.
Modern windows don't require muntins or mullions even though they serve structural purposes. Whatever their purpose, these window features are crucial to create attractive and functional windows. When selecting the best windows for your home, be sure to consider the design of your home and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Choose the kind of window that best reflects these aspects.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are known for their energy efficiency and also for their excellent insulation properties. A crack or break could diminish these benefits, leading to increased heating and cooling bills, condensation and water damage in your home or office.
Double pane windows are made up of two sheets of glass that have a gap in between, which is usually filled with inert gasses like Argon to stop heat transfer and to further insulate the window. If one pane develops cracks or leaks, gas will escape, and the window will be less efficient.
A double pane window that appears foggy or shows visible condensation indicates that the window seals have failed and allow in moist air. This air can cause silica gel to expand and form condensation within the window. A window that has reached this level is likely to need to be replaced.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost to replace their double-pane window. However, it is important to consider the fact that replacing windows can be more economical in the long run. A double-pane window that is damaged, broken or leaky will require repair services more often than a brand new window. It also increases the risk of moisture infiltration, which can result in mildew or mold development.
Another reason to think about replacing your double pane windows is that they can increase the value of your home, which can make it more attractive to future buyers. Double-paned windows provide many additional advantages like less noise pollution, lower costs for energy and a reduction in your monthly energy bill.
If you are not sure whether your window is single-pane or double-pane one, put an object against the outside of the glass. If you only see one reflection, you have single pane windows. Two reflections indicates that the window is double-pane. A professional can evaluate the strength of your window and whether it requires replacement or repaired. A qualified window doctor is able to repair a double-pane window without replacing the entire unit, saving you time and money.