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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 repairs. It is possible to fix windows and enjoy their performance for a long time. Moisture in the spaces between the glass panes causes windows to become foggy. This can be fixed by cleaning the windows to eliminate the moisture and resealing the windows. Foggy Windows Foggy windows can make it difficult to look out your window, obstructing the view and decreasing natural light that enters your home. Water and moisture can accumulate on the glass and cause wood frames and sills to begin to decay. If your window is always fogged up, the cause is probably condensation that has accumulated between the two panes. This is a common problem however it should not be ignored. The condensation of windows can cause mildew, rot and mold to grow within the frame of your home and decrease energy efficiency. Condensation occurs when warm moist humid air cools on a surface that is cold. This shouldn't happen in your windows. If you have double-paned windows that are insulated, you should not experience this problem unless the seal has broken. Foggy windows are a clear indication of this issue and it's important to have them checked by a professional to determine whether they're in need of replacement. There are several DIY solutions that can help you to get rid of windows that are hazy. Many homeowners recommend placing a dehumidifier in close proximity to the window in order to remove excess moisture. However, this will not resolve the problem, as moisture remains trapped between the window panes once the seal is damaged. Drilling holes into the top and bottom of your window panes is a different method to combat a foggy glass. Then, you'll insert a desiccant, such as silica, into the holes to absorb water between your two panes of glass. Once the moisture has been removed from your window, it's important to let the window dry completely before sealing the holes. These DIY methods may work, but they are not a permanent solution. You'll likely find that your windows are prone to fog in the near future. Professional window replacement and installation will restore your windows back to their original state. Contact a trusted window company today to find out more about how they can fix your windows and reduce the amount of humidity in your home. Frames that are Rotted Mold and mildew can cause health issues for your family if wood rot occurs around window sills or frames. Mold sensitivity can cause itchy skin and eyes, wheezing and difficulty breathing. If the rot is limited to a tiny portion of the frame, it may be able of being repaired with an epoxy for wood filler. However should the damage extend into a large part of the frame or into areas that have decorative elements, such as moulding intersect with other sections of the window, it is likely to be better to purchase new windows that will ensure your home is safe and secure from water damage. If you're looking to determine the extent of the rot in your window frame, use a screwdriver or putty knife. If you press into the rot and observe it is able to move easily, it's a sign that the rot has penetrated deep into the wood and won't be able to be corrected by using a simple wood filler epoxy. Ideally, you should select wood that is of the same type and moisture content as the windows surrounding it to splice the replacement timber. This will ensure that the splice will last and won't cause problems in the future. It is recommended to hire an expert if not sure of your ability to do this work. Wood hardener is a popular alternative to splicing new timber into the existing wooden frame. This is a fantastic way to stop further rot and stabilize the existing wood. This should be done as soon as possible after removing any decayed wood to allow the treatment to take effect. If the rot is serious and cannot be treated with a splice or wood hardener, replacing the entire window might be necessary to prevent further damage to your home. It may be a greater investment up front, but it will pay off in the end. You can also upgrade to a window that is more energy efficient. Muntins & Mullions Despite the fact that they look similar, there's a world of distinctions between muntins and mullions. Understanding the distinctions between these two parts will help homeowners ensure that they're on the same page with their window installer. Mullions are vertical elements that divide a single pane of glass into two. In the past they were used to keep smaller glass panes in place to form larger expanses of window glass. Mullions are now used for decorative purposes, but they are also a part in double-glazed windows to replicate the appearance of multi-paned windows while preserving energy-efficiency. Alternatively, muntins are narrow strips of wood that split the window glass into smaller panes. They can be installed as a permanent feature within the window or used as a decorative accent that is removable. Depending on their construction muntins can be constructed out of either metal or wood. They can be stained or painted to match a window's color scheme. In many homes, muntins may be a focal point of the room, adding details and dimension that enhance the visual dimension of windows. Muntins, while mostly decorative, can also help to improve home security. Since they sit in between windows, a burglary will require breaking one of them and then removing the second to gain access. Additionally, muntins that remain intact will aid in keeping out the elements and other debris that might otherwise enter the interior of a house. 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 are frequently called grilles. This confusion can be confusing for buyers of homes. It's also worth mentioning that while mullions and muntins serve structural functions, they are not required in modern windows. These window features are important for both functional and aesthetically pleasing Windows. When choosing the right windows for your home, make certain to consider the architectural style of your property and the amount of maintenance you're willing to do. Select the window style that best reflects your needs. Double-Pane Windows Double-pane windows are renowned for their energy efficiency and insulation properties. Unfortunately, a crack or break in the window could significantly reduce the benefits of these windows and cause higher heating and cooling costs, condensation, and water damage to your office or home. Double pane windows consist of two glass sheets with gaps in between which is usually filled with inert gases like argon to prevent heat transfer and to further insulate the window. If one of the panes begins to leak or crack, the gas will escape and your window will become less efficient. A double pane window that appears foggy or has visible condensation means that the window seals have failed and are letting in moisture-laden air. This air will cause the silica gel pellets that are located between the two panes of glass to swell up, which causes condensation inside 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, but it's important to consider that replacing them could be more cost-effective in the long in the long run. Repair services will be required more often when a double-paned window is damaged or cracked, or leaky than a brand new window. It also increases the chance of water intrusion, which could 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 will increase its appeal to future buyers. the window doctor -pane windows also offer numerous other advantages, including less noise pollution and lower energy bills. If you're not sure whether your window is a single-pane or double-pane one, put an item against the glass's outside. If you only see one reflection, you are dealing with single-pane windows. Two reflections are indicative of that the window is double-pane. A professional can assess the integrity of your double-pane window and determine whether it is in need of being repaired or replaced. A qualified window doctor is able to repair a double-pane window without replacing the entire unit thus saving time and money.