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How to Combat Noise Pollution Outside Your Home

Posted May 9, 2022 by Ian Greenhalgh

Noise pollution within the home can make everyday life increasingly uncomfortable. With many still working from home rather than heading to the office, noise pollution is a frequent complaint we’re finding from our clients.

It can also disrupt sleep, leaving you feeling groggy and unrested as you get up in the morning. These constant disturbances disrupt the peace and quiet you should have control over within your own home – a place where you’d usually find space to relax and unwind.

While noise pollution can have a significant impact on the environment in your home, there are plenty of effective ways to reduce it. Depending on your budget, you can opt for sound dampening furniture and soundproof double glazed windows and doors; or deal with it via complaints procedures and the use of noise-cancelling headphones.

Here’s our guide on how to combat noise pollution outside your home, and how we can help.

Install Double Glazing

When noise penetrates the home, it’s often through your windows and doors. Double glazing has been an adept solution to increasing noise pollution for years, with its two sealed panes of glass limiting the sound waves that can enter the home.

If you already have double glazing but you’re experiencing more external noise inside your home, it’s worth checking whether your windows and doors need resealing. Any tiny gaps in the sealing can result in a significant increase in noise without you noticing the source of the in the first place.

These gaps also allow cold external air to enter your home, invalidating the energy efficiency benefits of your double glazed windows – and leading to an increase in your heating bills.

If you don’t yet have double glazing, it’s the best option for keeping noise out of your home. It will also reduce your energy bills, as the insulating effect keeps warm air inside.

If you’re interested in installing or repairing your double glazing, our experts at Cloudy2Clear can help. Our double glazing professionals offer a variety of services from double glazing replacement and door repairs, to soundproofing and noise reduction. This specialist soundproofing service helps to keep your home free from outside noise, as our talented engineers get to work replacing any faulty double glazing and seals.

Dampen the Sound

There are furniture and fixtures that can help dampen the sound going on outside of your home. You probably already have most of what you need to dampen the sound a little – it’s just a case of rearranging things.

Soft furnishings are a great option that reduce the frequency with which sound waves can penetrate your room. Thick rugs are popular choices to enhance comfort in rooms you relax in, but they can also soften the noise. You can also fit sound insulating curtains for your windows and doors, ensuring any gaps in the frames don’t let so much noise through.

Placing large furnishings along a shared wall with neighbours that the noise is seeping in through can reduce the volume of the sound. Try rearranging your bedroom so the wardrobe fits along the attached wall, or organise your living room so the sofa works to dampen the sound from next door.

Make Your Voice Heard

Noisy neighbours can be the source of the distracting sounds you’re hearing within your own home. Barking dogs, DIY projects, and loud music are just a few of the constant sounds that can disrupt your home life. The first step is to discuss the noise levels with your neighbours. See if you can convince them to keep quieter during the hours you’re working or sleeping.

The government website can help you with what to do if you’d like to report a noise issue to your local council. Just enter your postcode and you’ll be redirected to your local city council website, where you can take further action to report noise nuisances. It’s helpful to record a diary of the noise occurrences, detailing the time, date, duration, and nature of the noise. This will help the council decide whether you have a case.

If they fail to adjust their disruptive behaviour and you have reasonable grounds to do so, you can eventually take disruptive neighbours to court. Doing this provides a formal complaint that demonstrates you’ve made a significant effort to communicate with them in reducing the level of noise they’re making.

Sometimes, the noise pollution you’re experiencing is beyond your control. If you live near congested city areas or lots of traffic, it’s near impossible to fix the issue by complaining. In these cases, try our other noise pollution reduction tips – such as installing double glazing.

Invest in Earplugs

Earplugs are a cheap yet effective way to block out external sound. Despite this, they’re not great for if you’d like to listen to your own music or watch TV without distractions. Another alternative is to purchase noise-cancelling headphones – yet again, these cancel out all the noise you’re surrounded by, not just the noise from outside your home.

The most effective way to reduce noise pollution in your home is to deal with the source of the problem. Earplugs, dampening the sound, and talking to your neighbours can help, but your ineffective windows and doors might be the best problem to fix.

Reduce Noise Pollution with Cloudy2Clear

At Cloudy2Clear, we’re the experts in optimizing your home environment with the use of double glazing solutions. If you’re experiencing noise pollution within the home, double glazing helps to insulate the home from sound with dual layered glass.

There are further options that can reduce noise, such as acoustic glass – specially engineered to block sound waves. Whichever option you choose, our double glazing installation services provide the perfect noise pollution reduction results at competitive prices.

To find out about how we can help soundproof your home, get in touch with our team on 0800 61 21 119. We’ll discuss your free quote and answer any questions you may have about our services. You can also fill out our online contact us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Can I Replace My Double Glazing Myself?

Posted May 9, 2022 by Ian Greenhalgh

Many home improvement tasks can be carried out by the homeowner but with double glazing, while this is technically possible even a skilled DIYer should avoid it.

Double glazing is a popular energy saving option that 86.7% of UK homes were found to have installed in 2020, with rates continuing to rise as the cost of energy goes up. While successful double glazing can save you money on your bills, an unsuccessful attempt to repair or replace double glazing yourself can actually end up costing you money.

If your double glazed windows are failing, you might notice cloudy patches between the two panes of glass, leaking windows, and draughts coming through your window frames. Any gaps in the seals between your double glazed windows mean they’re no longer able to effectively insulate your home, so you’re likely to want to get them replaced as soon as possible.

While it can be tempting to ‘cut down’ on costs and try to replace your failing double glazing yourself, it’s rare that even skilled DIY regulars manage to do it correctly. We’d always recommend finding highly rated professionals to replace your double glazed windows to avoid further costs in the long run.

Here are just a few of the reasons you should seek a professional to replace your double glazing.

You won’t save time or money.

Upon realising their double glazing needs replacing, many homeowners’ initial idea is to try to save money and opt for a ‘do it yourself’ approach.

The reality is, however, that repairing and replacing double glazed windows yourself requires a great deal of effort. The reinstallation of double glazed windows involves specialist skills and insights, particularly when you consider that the replacement of each variety of window will require a different approach.

Understanding exactly how to carry out the replacement yourself means you’ll spend hours trawling tutorials and guides online, often with little success.

As well as all this effort, you’ll need to invest in the specialist tools required for a double glazing replacement. Tools such as glazing knives, glass lifters, power tools, soft-faced glazing hammers and glazing PPE mean you’ll likely be even more out of pocket than you would if you decided to go with a professional.

When doing it the first time, it will take a long time to work out what needs to be done. It’s a specialist skill that calls for different approaches for different windows. And you need specialist tools that it’s not economical to source for a single job. If you do cause damage or shoddy work that needs to be redone, you’ll have to bear the cost of that as well.

You’ll void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Window manufacturers offer a warranty with their products, sometimes providing lifetime warranty policies that can last for decades. The majority of window warranties cover all elements of the window, including hardware (handles, locks), the glass, frame, and finish of your window.

When considering whether you should replace your windows yourself, it’s important to remember that this warranty will be invalidated if the installation of your windows isn’t done by a professional. This is because they’re aware that most DIY replacements of double glazing by non-professionals is not done to a suitable standard. Even if you think your work seems satisfactory to begin with, any mistakes can quickly reveal themselves and render your efforts pointless.

Over time, windows can also be subject to wear and tear. Any defects in the materials can be costly to replace and repair. Defects can include things like cracked glass, leaks, loose hardware, and faulty frames – that can significantly reduce the performance of your double glazing. A valid manufacturer’s warranty will often cover 100% of the costs of any defects for you.

Keeping the warranty on your windows valid means that any defects, even in later years, are covered by the warranty and you won’t have to fork out more money to have your windows fixed. Replacing double glazing is also a dangerous task, so dealing with powerful equipment and glass is best left to the professionals.

You may lose out on the energy savings.

Professionally installed double glazing can save you hundreds each year in energy bills. When it’s done properly, double glazed windows are highly energy efficient as they reduce the amount of heat that is able to escape through your windows. This means you won’t need to spend so much on heating bills, a huge bonus when you take into account the rising cost of energy today.

Energy savings are often the biggest appeal when it comes to having double glazing installed. If your DIY double glazing replacement project goes wrong, however, you’ll lose the insulating benefit of double glazing.

Making sure the seal between the glass and your window frames is 100% airtight is a specialist task, and it’s difficult to get it right in the first place. You might wrongly think your project has gone perfectly, only to find later down the line that you’re spending hundreds more on energy bills as your DIY windows aren’t insulating your home.

Go to a professional.

You might have considered replacing your double glazing yourself to save money, though getting even a slight element of the replacement wrong can end up costing you more. You’ll also have to spend money on any specialist equipment needed for the job, as well as the even more expensive repairs that will be required if it does all go wrong.

On the plus side, there are plenty of professional double glazing specialists out there. This means the pricing for double glazing replacement services is highly competitive – and it might pleasantly surprise you.

Save yourself time, stress, and money, by requesting a free double glazing replacement quote from our team at Cloudy2Clear. With over 15 years of experience in industry, our highly rated window replacement specialists replace the glass in your failed double glazing for you.

You can also get in touch with us on 0800 61 21 119 if you have any questions about our services.

How to Reduce Energy Bills

Posted April 8, 2022 by Ian Greenhalgh

With energy bills on the rise, plenty of people are looking for ways to reduce their monthly spend. Energy is one of the biggest annual costs for UK families, so it only makes sense that you wish to find new ways to cut down on these now highly inflated prices.

Here’s our quick guide on how to reduce your energy bills, even by making only small changes to your everyday habits.

Draught-Proof Windows and Doors

The majority of cold air in the home enters the house through even the tiniest of gaps that can allow draught into your living space. Investing in upgrading your windows and doors to draught-proof designs will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

At Cloudy2Clear, we offer a range of high-quality draught-proof windows and doors that are designed exactly for this purpose. To keep your home draught-free, eventually reducing the amount of money you’ll be spending on your energy bills by insulating the home and keeping any warm air where it belongs – inside.

Double-glazed windows are another way to insulate your home effectively. Installing A-rated double glazing – and making sure your double-glazed windows are well-maintained – can save you tons on energy bills each year. With Cloudy2Clear, our leading double-glazed window replacement and installation services go the extra mile in making sure your home remains fully insulated, saving you money each year.

Use Tumble Dryer Alternatives

Tumble dryers are a must for many households, but they’re not energy efficient for the most part. Tumble dryers require a lot of energy since they’re both heating up and spinning your laundry at the same time. The high demands of a tumble dryer mean your laundry can be costing you up to £1.00 per spin – and that’s with a relatively energy efficient model.

Instead of using a tumble dryer for each wash, consider whether the weather would be suitable for drying your clothes outdoors. Doing this can even help keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially in the summer months as the temperature begins to rise. Alternatively, make use of the heat you’re already using in your home and use your radiators to dry your clothing.

Fill Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are an ideal time saver, but they’re not that great when it comes to considering your energy usage.
Make sure you’re not wasting energy by only filling half a dishwasher. Before you turn it on for a wash, your dishwasher should be full. This is because most dishwashers use the same amount of water no matter how full or empty it is – if it’s full when you turn it on, you’re not using all that water, and even dishwasher tablets, on just half a load.

If you don’t have a dishwasher, there are other ways you can save water on your washing up too. You can save money each month by washing your dishes in a bowl full of hot water and dish soap, rather than using a running tap.

Turn Off Standby Lights

Many of us don’t realise just how much we’re spending on energy wasted by keeping our appliances on standby, instead of turning them off altogether when they’re not in use.

Turning off all your appliances entirely can seem like a bit of extra effort, especially when it’s the last thing you want to be doing right before you go to bed at night. Luckily today, you can purchase plugs that you can turn off straight from your phone via a mobile app. Some of these apps even have self-timers, so after a certain period of not being used, the power will switch off automatically.

Other Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Energy Bills

While the above guide includes a useful checklist of ways you can reduce your energy bills, there are many other things you could consider that would reduce your monthly outgoings.

Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

The majority of appliances on the market today are using energy efficient technology in order to provide customers with more for their money. The energy efficiency of an appliance is based on a rating of A – G, with A being the rating that will save you the most money – and stop you contributing so much to environmental concerns. The energy efficiency scale previously went by the A+++ to D rating method, though the newer version as of 2020 makes it much easier to assess how efficient your appliances are.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can drastically reduce the amount you’re spending on energy. Smart thermostats are exactly that – smart. They’ll learn exactly how long it takes to heat up your home, and can therefore be programmed to heat your house for just the right amount of time. No more forgetting to turn off your heating, and watching those bills stack up as a result. What’s more, smart thermostats can actually be controlled right from your phone. This means whether you’re home or not, you can adjust the settings to suit your exact preferences for when you expect to return.

Wash Your Laundry at Lower Temperatures

Doing our laundry is a necessity, but the costs involved do add up. Your washing machine requires more energy if you set it to wash clothes at a higher temperature, so it’s no wonder that when you do opt for those higher wash temps, your energy bills will rise too. Even just going from a 40 degree to a 30 degree wash can make a difference in your spending, and if you manage to cut out any washes and make your clothes last just that one extra wear before washing – it all helps reduce your energy bills.

Reduce Your Energy Bills with Cloudy2Clear

At Cloudy2Clear, our eco-friendly technology helps not only your wallet, but the environment too. Making that initial investment in your home, windows, and doors is well worth it when you consider just how much energy you may be wasting with inefficient fixtures that are letting cold air in.

Our double-glazed window and draught-proof solutions make saving money on your energy bills simple. Don’t waste any longer with a home that’s losing money on heat – just because your windows aren’t doing their job. Our forward-thinking window designs also make your home less prone to damp conditions and noise pollution.

Up to 20% of the heat lost in your home is lost through your windows. Get in touch with Cloudy2Clear today HERE to fix this.

How to clean UPVC window frames

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) is the most popular material for window frames. Why is this? UPVC is not only easy to manufacture, but it’s also long-lasting and relatively maintenance-free. You can even choose the colour and finish to match the aesthetic of your home.

Despite being resistant to rotting and rusting, UPVC windows can become dirty from build-ups of dirt and grime if not properly maintained. Luckily, cleaning UPVC is easy, which means that you can keep your windows looking bright and fresh all year round.

Maintaining UPVC

Before taking on the bigger messes, there are a number of ways that you can take care of your windows. By following these simple steps and regularly cleaning your UPVC doors and window frames, you can stop build-ups of dirt from forming at all.

1. Use a vacuum

For removing small amounts of dirt or thin layers of dust from the edges and corners of your frames, you can simply use the dusting brush on your vacuum cleaner (the attachment with the soft bristles). Not only is this a really quick and simple way to clean around your windows, but the bristles on the brush will protect your UPVC and double glazing from being scratched.

2. Open your windows

It’s all well and good to give your windows a quick wipe down, but it’s in between the frames that need to most attention. These are the areas that most of us are guilty of forgetting about and can easily get clogged up with dirt. Ignoring these areas can cause your windows to become stiff and cause bigger problems if left unchecked.

3. Stick to soft cloths

After you’ve cleaned your windows and left them looking sparkling, it’s vital that you remove any residual moisture left over. You need to be thorough, but you don’t want to use anything too abrasive and risk damaging the frames or glass. All you need is a soft cloth or kitchen roll to give your windows a quick once over.

4. Keep on top of it!

The best way to clean your windows is to keep them clean. By regularly washing your UPVC, you won’t need to spend time scrubbing away at dirt and grime or risk your windows becoming clogged or damaged.

Best cleaning products for UPVC

Warm, soapy water

It may sound simple, but this is all you need to use if you’re cleaning your windows regularly. Giving your UPVC a quick scrub with a sponge and soapy water is enough to remove light dirt and keep your frames looking nice and bright.

Vinegar and hot water

This is a great alternative to using manufactured products with chemicals. Mix one part vinegar with 4 parts hot water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You can then spray your frames and leave it to do its work for 10-15 minutes, then simply wipe away with a clean cloth. You can then enjoy lovely bright windows without any chemical smells being left behind.

UPVC cleaners

If your window frames have been neglected for a while or if you’ve just moved into a new home, you may need some stronger products to bring your UPVC back to life. Specialist UPVC cleaners usually come in the form of a cream or paste and can help to remove really stubborn muck without posing a risk to your double glazing or window frames.

What to avoid when cleaning UPVC

Harsh chemicals

Stay far away from any products that contain bleach, white spirits, methylated spirits, nail varnish remover or any other harsh chemicals. It’s possible you may have heard hearsay or an old wives tale that recommends such cleaners, but they aren’t to be believed. Products of this type will only damage your UPVC frames as well as posing a risk to your window sills and even surrounding paintwork or wallpaper.

Dyes

Check your cleaning products thoroughly before using them on your windows. Even harmless dish soap can contain dyes to give them a bright colour. Although they’re fine for their intended purpose, if used on UPVC, they could end up staining your lovely bright frames which will be very difficult to remedy.

Rough sponges

As already stated, soft cloths are the ideal material for wiping down your windows. If you don’t have one at hand, don’t be tempted to use a scourer or abrasive sponge – you’ll risk scratching your UPVC.

For more information on how to keep your windows looking at their best, follow our guide to maintaining your double-glazed windows. If you’ve noticed your double glazing has become cloudy, get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear and our expert engineers will give you a free, no-obligation quote.

How to prevent condensation in your home

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

What is condensation?

Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces like window panes and forms water droplets. Essentially, it’s the opposite reaction to evaporation – gas (vapour) turning to liquid (water droplets) instead of liquid (water) turning to gas (steam).

As condensation is caused by differences in temperature, you’re more likely to see the effects on colder days. The most common areas for condensation to form in your home is in the bathroom from the heat of showers and baths, or in the kitchen from cooking.

What effect can condensation have on your home?

Although water droplets on your windows may not seem like an issue, condensation can lead to some serious problems if it’s a common occurrence in your home..

Common issues caused by condensation include:

– Peeling wallpaper
– Damp furniture and surfaces
– Unpleasant smells
– Mould and damp

How to prevent condensation on windows

Condensation is something that occurs in all homes and although it can lead to problems, there are initiatives you can take to help combat the effects. To stop condensation on windows, there are three main steps to take: ventilation, insulation and clearing moisture.

1. Improving ventilation

By ensuring your home is properly ventilated, you’ll improve the airflow and fight off the issues caused by condensation.

Opening windows is a simple way to implement this, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. If you’ve cooked in the oven or on a hob, or if you’ve had a shower, leave your windows open in that room until the air is clear to prevent moisture build-ups.

It’s also important that you’re using extractor fans in both the kitchen and bathroom to allow steam to escape. Plus, keeping your doors closed helps to isolate steam and moisture, making it easier to dissipate and stops it spreading to other rooms.

2. Heating and insulation

Issues with condensation are intensified by sudden rises and drops in temperature, as each fluctuation causes water to evaporate and condense when your central heating turns on and off.

Rather than allowing your heating to swing between hot and cold, keep your heating on a constant low temperature. This will help to prevent damp from forming in your home.

Ensuring your home has appropriate insulation will reduce the likelihood of condensation forming in cold spots on walls and ceiling. Cavity wall and loft insulation will help to keep your walls a consistent temperature.

3. Clearing moisture

An immediate solution to condensation is to remove any water droplets you come across in your home.

All you need is a soft cloth or paper towels – something that won’t damage your windows – and you can keep on top of any moisture forming. In the short term, cleaning your windows of condensation regularly you can prevent the moisture developing in to damp or mould issues.

Read our full guide to maintaining your double glazing to find out proper cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your windows in great condition.

Tips on how to reduce condensation

As well as the larger preventative steps detailed above, there are also a number of smaller actions you can take to reduce the amount of condensation you produce at home.

1. Vented washer dryers
Many modern washer dryers are condenser models, which collect moisture from the drum which can be emptied later. If you have a vented washer dryer, however, make sure that the vent is properly secured; otherwise, moisture can easily escape and become trapped in your home.

2. Dry your clothes outside
If you have a garden, drying your clothes on a washing line is a really easy method of protecting your home from unnecessary moisture. If you live in an apartment or don’t have your own garden, keep a window open near your drying clothes with the doors closed to help the moisture escape from your home.

3. Cook with pot lids
Another easy way to reduce moisture in your home is to make sure you’re cooking with pot lids. Bubbling pots and pans release a lot of steam and moisture into kitchens, even with an extractor fan, so using a lid while you cook helps to reduce how much steam is released into the room.

4. Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards
Both wardrobes and kitchen cupboards are breeding grounds for mould if left overfilled. Any trapped moisture will struggle to escape due to the lack of airflow, so make sure you’re not filling them to the brim to allow air to circulate inside

5. Move furniture away from external walls
Just like with your wardrobes, it’s important to make sure there’s enough room between your walls and your furniture for air to circulate. If sofas and large pieces of furniture are pushed right up against walls, especially exterior walls, they run the risk of becoming damp and mouldy from the cold.

6. Use bath mats
It’s not just bathroom walls that have the potential for damp issues; the floor is at risk too. Invest in a good-sized bath mat to absorb most of the water when you get out of the bath or shower, so you’re not drenching your bathroom floor in water and creating more condensation.

7. Check for leaks
Keep an eye on your roof and ceilings for any drips or leaks that present themselves. They can be easy to miss at first, but if left unchecked, they can leave your ceiling and walls soaked over time.

8. Check guttering and downpipes
Much like leaks, blocked gutters can cause havoc to your exterior walls. Keep all guttering and downpipes free from debris to prevent blockages, which could lead to excess water soaking your homes exterior walls.

Condensation inside your double glazing

If you’ve noticed condensation inside your windows, it means your double glazing has failed. Whether due to faulty seals or poor installation, cloudy windows mean that moisture is getting in between the panes of glass, ruining the aesthetic of your windows and leading to bigger problems like mould and heat loss.

If you’ve noticed cloudy windows in your home, get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear, where our expert engineers will give you a free, no-obligation quote and will replace your failed double glazing – saving you time and money.

Category: Home improvement