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 repair. It is, however, possible to repair windows and still enjoy their performance for a long time to come.
Foggy windows are caused by moisture in the spaces between the glass panes. This can be fixed by cleaning the windows, getting rid of the moisture and resealing them.
Foggy Windows
Foggy windows can make looking from your window difficult, and reduce the amount of sunlight that can enter your home. The accumulation of moisture and water on the glass and cause wooden frames and sills to begin to decay. If your window is constantly fogging up, the reason is likely to be condensation that has been trapped between the two panes. While this is a common problem, it's not something that should be ignored. Foggy windows can cause mildew, rot, and mold to grow in your home's frame and lower energy efficiency.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air cools on an object that is cold. This shouldn't occur in your windows. This issue shouldn't occur when you have double-paned insulated windows unless the seal is broken. Foggy windows are an obvious sign of this problem. It's important to get them checked by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
The good news is that there are plenty of DIY solutions to get rid of foggy windows. Many homeowners suggest installing a dehumidifier near the window to eliminate excess moisture. This won't solve the issue, since moisture continues to accumulate between the picture window repair panes after the seal is damaged.
Drilling holes in the top and bottom of your window panes is a different method to deal with a foggy glass. You'll then insert a desiccant, such as silica gel, into the holes to absorb moisture between the two panes of your casement window repair. Once the moisture is gone from your window, it's important to allow the window to dry completely prior to sealing the holes.
These DIY methods may be effective, but they are not a long-term solution. You'll probably find that your windows are prone to fog in the near future. Professional window replacement and installation will restore your windows to their original condition. Contact a trusted company to find out how they can fix your windows and reduce the humidity in your home.
Rotted Frames
Mildew and mold can cause health problems for your family if wood rot occurs around window frames or sills. Mold sensitivity can cause itchy eyes and skin, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
If the rot is restricted to a small area of the frame, it could be able of being repaired by using an epoxy wood filler. However when the damage extends to a large portion of the frame, or into areas where decorative elements such as moulding intersect with other areas of the window, it's likely better to invest in new windows that can keep your home safe and secure from water damage.
To find out the extent of rot on your window frame you can gently test it using a putty knife or screwdriver. If you force your way into the rot and observe it sways easily, it is likely that the rot has penetrated deep into the wood and won't be able to be repaired with a wood filler epoxy.
Ideally, you will choose wood of the same type and moisture content as the windows surrounding it to splice in replacement timber. This will ensure the splice is durable and won't cause problems in the future. If you aren't sure of your ability to complete this task, it's always recommended to contact an expert.
A common alternative to cutting new timber is to treat the existing wooden frame using wood hardener. This is a fantastic way to stop further rot and to stabilize the existing wood. This should be done promptly after removing any rotten wood to allow the treatment time to take effect.
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. Although this is a bigger initial investment but it's more cost-effective in the long term and can also provide you with the chance to upgrade to a more energy efficient window.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they may look identical, muntins look different from mullions. Understanding the differences between these two components can help homeowners make sure that they're on the same page as their window company.
Mullions are vertical elements that divide a single sheet of glass into two. In the past, mullions sheltered smaller glass panes to form larger expanses. Today, mullions are used for decorative purposes, however they can also be used in a double-glazed window system to replicate the look of multi-paned windows, without sacrificing efficiency.
Alternatively, muntins are narrow strips of wood that split windows into smaller panes. They can be used as a permanent element in windows or as a decorative accent that is removable. Muntins are made of wood or metal according to their construction. They can be stained or painted to match the window's color scheme. In many homes, muntins are a focal point of an area, providing detail and dimension to amplify a window's visual size.
While they are primarily decorative, they can provide some added security to homes. They are positioned between window units so a break-in requires removing one of them, and breaking the second. Muntins also help to keep dust and weather from entering a house if they remain intact.
A few window companies make an effort to distinguish between muntins and mullions and the various kinds of mullions. These terms are often interchanged and sometimes even referred to as grilles informal usage. This confusion can be confusing to homeowners.
It's also worth mentioning that, while mullions and multins serve as structural elements, they are not required in modern windows. Whatever their purpose they are crucial to create functional and aesthetically pleasing windows. When choosing the right windows for your home, make sure to consider the style of your home's architecture and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Choose the kind of window that best represents these factors.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-paned windows are renowned for their energy efficiency and they also have great insulation properties. A crack or break could decrease these benefits, leading to an increase in cooling and heating costs and condensation as well as water damage in your home or office.
Double pane windows consist of two sheets of tempered glass that have a space between them. The gap is filled with an inert gas such as argon, which blocks heat transfer and also helps insulate the window. If one of the panes develops a crack or leak the gas will escape and the window will be less efficient.
If a double pane windows appears cloudy or has visible condensate, the window seals are not working and allowing in humid air. This air can cause silica gels to expand, causing condensation to form in the window. A window that is at this level is likely to require replacement.
Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of replacing their double-pane windows, but it's important to consider that replacement could be more cost-effective in the long run. Double-pane windows that have been damaged, broken, or leaking will require repair more frequently than a new window. It also increases the chance of moisture intrusion, which can lead to mold and mildew growth that can affect your family's health.
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 appealing to potential buyers. Double-paned windows offer many other benefits including reduced noise pollution, less energy bills, and a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
If you're unsure if your window has a double or single pane, you can place a piece of furniture against the outside glass. If you only see one reflection you have single pane windows. Two reflections indicates that your window is double-pane. A professional can evaluate the strength of your window and whether it needs to be replaced or repaired. A qualified window doctor will typically be able repair a double-paned window without having to replace the entire unit. This can help you save time and money.