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Do My Windows Need Resealing?

Posted July 15, 2022 by Ian Greenhalgh

As Autumn inches closer, there’s no better time to ensure your windows are in peak condition. The last thing you want as the weather cools down is to realise your windows need resealing. Worn-out window seals are common – and can mean your double glazing isn’t working. Leaving the problem to fix later can lead to further damage, to both your windows and the surrounding areas. If you have windows that need resealing, it’s worth tackling the issue now, before issues build up.

How Do I Check if My Windows Need Resealing?

Not resealing your double glazing once it’s failed is essentially a downgrade, as the double glazing fails. When this seal ‘fails’ – cracks, loosens, or becomes damaged; this allows air from outside to enter the home as it can penetrate the gap between your double-glazed windows. Avoiding this can be as simple as just giving your windows the occasional once over to look for any visual signs of wear and tear that could indicate your windows need resealing.

Things to look out for include visible signs of wear and tear, moisture intrusion causing mould, or in the worst-case scenario, rot around your window frame. Other earlier indicators may also be signs of condensation, indicating a possible failure of the seal; or as mentioned earlier, a draught creeping in. Not only can windows that need resealing make your home less comfortable as draughts creep in, but with energy prices continuing to rise it could cost you more in the long run through heating bills and damp and mold repairs. Our guide to figuring out if your windows need resealing should help you.

Why Do Window Seals Fail?

Window seals have an expected lifespan of 10 – 20 years, so they do last quite a while. Once a window seal is broken however, double glazing can become completely ineffective.

There are several reasons window seals can fail, including:

Shrinkage from cold weather – ’solar pumping’.

A key reason window seals wear down over time is through a process called ‘solar pumping’. This is where the sun shining on your windows causes the glass to expand, putting pressure on the seals. As this happens repeatedly over the years, and the glass cools down and shrinks again each night, wear occurs from the repeated pressure and can eventually cause the seal to fail. The effects of solar pumping are more prevalent in south and west facing windows, as they receive more sunlight and are therefore more likely to expand.

Wear and tear from time and moisture.

Naturally things do wear down over time through use, and your window seals are exposed to some harsh external conditions. The seals must cope through varying weather conditions, high winds, rain, heat, and cold over the years. Considering this, it’s natural this will eventually wear them down. Furthermore, if a small amount of damage does come to them and moisture somehow finds its way into your home, the mold and damp could increase this degradation.

Poorly fitted windowpanes.

Whether it’s been caused by unprofessionally done handiwork, or your windows dropping over time; a poorly fitted windowpane isn’t going to sit right and can cause added unnecessary pressure to your sealing.

Accidents and unexpected damage.

Accidents can happen, and they can happen to your windows. These accidents and unexpected damages can happen for a range of reasons – from the harsh chemicals used in painting or redecorating wearing your seals down over time, to burglaries and break-ins, or even things hitting your windows. The unexpected can happen, and that’s where we’re here to help. Read on to find out how you can have your window seals repaired or replaced.

If you’d like to find out more about how double glazing can fail, take a look at our article on the most common faults with double glazing.

What If My Windows Need Replacing?

If it’s just the window seal that has failed, it’s unlikely you will need to have the entire window replaced. If you have noticed any of the tell-tale signs your windows need resealing, it’s time to get things fixed. Failed double glazing can end up costing you more in the long run, as it’s no longer effective if your window seal has failed.

You’ll lose money on energy bills. 20% of heat in the home is lost through windows and doors. Once your window seal has failed, cold air from outside is free to enter the home. This increases the amount you’ll be spending on energy bills – even unknowingly.

Your home will become less environmentally friendly. Many opt for double glazed windows not only for their heat retention qualities, but because they want to do their bit in optimising their homes to be more eco-friendly. With broken seals – as we mentioned above – you’re more likely to overspend on energy bills, using more fuel than you would otherwise.

Condensation clouds up your windows. Windows are there so you can enjoy the views around your home. Once window seals fail, condensation is likely to cloud up your windows. This obscures your view and can have a negative impact on the appearance of your house.

Broken seals allow noise in from outside. Just like how air can enter the home through broken window seals, any noises from outside can enter too. Whether you’re located near a busy road, a school, or even just noisy neighbours, double glazing is effective in reducing noise pollution. Once these external sounds can enter the home, this can have a negative impact on any work you might do from home, and how well you can unwind and relax.

Moisture can enter the home, causing damp and mold. Damp and mold don’t only cause damage to your home such as rotting walls, floors, or ceilings, leading to a whole host of problems themselves; but can also affect your health. Molds can produce allergens, irritants and even toxic substances that can affect your respiratory health, especially for those suffering with asthma, as well as cause allergic reactions.

Tip: We recommend checking your window seals regularly to avoid suffering the effects of failed double glazing and seals. Check you’re not wasting money on heating your home – and that your home isn’t susceptible to damage caused by damp.

Get Your Windows Resealed with Cloudy2Clear

If you do need your windows resealing, we can help. At Cloudy2Clear, we offer a simple, quick repair service for windowpanes and seals, taking just 20 minutes to carry out a survey of the damage. We price every element of your repair or replacement individually, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Many window specialists will replace entire windows if the seal has failed. We do things a bit differently. We’re committed to reducing costs by replacing only the defective parts of the windowpane – not the entire frame. This means window repairs are much more affordable, and materials aren’t being wasted by replacing things unnecessarily.

For more information about how Cloudy2Clear can repair your window seals, get in touch with our specialists in replacing steamed up double glazing. Call our team now on 0800 61 21 119. You can also ask any questions you may have on our online contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Reduce Noise Pollution Outside Your Home With Double Glazing

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 (without damaging them)

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) is the most popular material for window frames. UPVC is easy to manufacture, long-lasting and relatively easy to maintain.

While it’s resistant to rotting and rusting, UPVC windows can become dirty from build-ups of muck and grime if not properly maintained. Luckily, cleaning UPVC window frames is straightforward, and by following a few simple steps, you can keep your windows looking clean and fresh all year round.

How to clean UPVC window frames

Although you can choose the colour and finish of your UPVC frames, most people opt for white. If you have white UPVC, you should be aware that when it comes to cleaning them, there are certain cleaning products to avoid. Generally, UPVC window frames can be cleaned with a few simple products. Here’s what you’ll need: - A bucket of warm water - Mild washing up liquid or a specialist uPVC cleaner - A soft sponge or microfibre cloth - A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush (to get to those tricky crevices) - White vinegar (for stubborn stains) -A dry cloth or towel Step-by-step cleaning guide

Remove the loose surface dirt
Wipe down your window frames with a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove any loose dust or debris.
Wash the UPVC frames with 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.
Scrub all crevices and seals with a brush
Use your soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-get-to corners, seals and joints.
Use white vinegar and water on stubborn stains
If warm soapy water doesn’t do the trick on tougher marks and stains, mix white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Wipe the solution onto the window frames and leave it for a few minutes before wiping off.
Rinse and dry your window frames
Remove any soapy residue with clean water and then dry the frames with a soft cloth to prevent watermarks.
Apply polish (optional)
If you want your window frames to shine, use a UPVC cleaner to enhance the finish.

What is a UPVC cleaner?

UPVC cleaners are specially formulated to remove dirt and stains from UPVC window frames and doors. 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 window frames

❌ Avoid harsh chemicals

Don’t use products that contain bleach, white spirits, methylated spirits, nail varnish remover or any other harsh chemicals. Ignore any old wives tales that recommend such cleaners as this type of product will damage your UPVC frames, window sills and potentially the surrounding paintwork or wallpaper.

❌ Avoid cleaning products that contain 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.

❌ Avoid using rough sponges

A soft cloth is the ideal material for wiping down your windows. If you don’t have one to hand, don’t be tempted to use a scourer or abrasive sponge, as you’ll risk scratching your UPVC frames.

For more information on how to keep your windows looking their best, read 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.

Category: Home improvement