Category: Home improvement

At Cloudy2Clear, we’re regularly asked the same questions about double glazing. These range from, ‘Is it efficient?’ to the wider, ‘Are the benefits that good?’. In short, both answers are a definite ‘Yes’. ‘How long does double glazing last?’ however, is slightly more complicated.

The general consensus on double glazing lifespan is estimated to be anything between 20 and 35 years depending on the supplier and the fitter. Others even suggest up to and above 40 years in some cases. At Cloudy2Clear, we confidently assure our customers of our professional work ethic and practices, and our product quality with a 25-year guarantee. As we only replace the pane, not the frame, the guarantee relates purely to the glass, not the PVC frame.

When modern double glazing was first introduced in the United States during the 1950s, it caught on relatively quickly. By the late 70s / early 80s, the trend had travelled across the pond to Britain. We’ve already seen the bulk of those windows come to the end of their life and need replacing, and now windows installed in the late 80s and early 90s are also in need of some tender loving care due to ill fitting, poor workmanship, and general wear and tear. Developments have also been made in window technology since their original introduction and represent a better product than before.

Expecting a double-glazing unit to survive for 30 plus years varies greatly dependent on location. Even though windows are designed to withstand the harshest weather, particularly exposed or open areas are more liable to succumb to adverse and challenging conditions. This can make some people consider triple glazing, however this is rarely needed in the United Kingdom. The best practice is to replace any failed double glazing.

In Scandinavia and northern Europe, triple glazing units are common place to help fight the fierce, cold and brisk weather to better insulate homes, the cost and benefits aren’t necessary to the more varied climate experienced in the majority of the United Kingdom. If you live in the UK, then expecting your double glazing to last 25 years is very reasonable.

Installing new double glazing is an investment for the future as it increases your homes energy efficiency and can help cancel out unwanted noise from outdoors. We also offer insulating glass to help keep your bills down and make your home a better and more efficient environment to live in.

If you want to take our offer of a free, no obligation quote, then please don’t hesitate contact us or read more about our double glazing repairs by visiting our dedicated page.

With energy prices continuously increasing, UK homeowners, more than ever, are looking for cost-effective ways to improve energy bills. Winter is just around the corner and with that in mind, it’s important to ensure that homeowners address one of the biggest causes of heat loss in the home; windows.

According to the Domestic Energy Fact File, around 83% of homes in England have some level of double glazing, with only 43% being fully double glazed. With over 20% of all heat loss escaping via windows, installing effective, high quality double glazing will aid energy usage in the long-run, as well as adding security and improving the appearance of your property. Take a look at more benefits of double glazing here.

One of the main aims of double glazing is to improve insulation throughout your home. Even if you have taken other energy improvement measures, such as updating your boiler, installing loft insulation or cavity wall insulation, ignoring a direct cause of heat loss i.e. your windows, can dramatically increase your energy bills. Quality double glazing improves insulation by trapping warm air in, reducing the risk of draughts, compare to that of single glazed windows.

Double glazing is such a good insulator, as well as being more energy efficient that single glazed windows, you can upgrade to Argon gas in between the double panes. This creates a hermetically sealed atmosphere, which means nothing should be able to escape or enter the seal. Air and Argon gas are also very poor conductors of heat, as they have slow-moving molecules, which decrease the chance of convection.

However, if you do have double glazed windows, but are noticing an increase in draughts or are having to nudge the dial on your thermostat already this month, then you may need to replace certain window units in your home. It’s a simple and cost-effective way of ensuring all your windows are ready for the winter.

Double glazed windows, after installation, can potentially lose, on average, around 1% of the internal air or gas per year, but dependant on the quality of the products and installation, this can be a lot more. If you notice the appearance of water droplets or condensation in between the panes of your double glazed windows, this is a highly likely sign that your units have failed. Although there’s no cause for immediate alarm, replacing these failed units should be a necessity before the colder weather arrives, so that you can effectively save energy.

If you’re concerned you may be losing energy because of failed double glazing, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for a free, no obligation quotation. We can advise of the best route for you to take, whether that’s replacing any broken locks, handles or seals too. We only replace the glass pane in your double glazed unit, rather than the entire frame, which saves you time and money. See how much you could potentially save with our infographic.

We sat down with our expert Louis to explain some of the basics of conservatory maintenance. Enjoy blissful mornings, parties and summer evenings in your conservatory with our expert tips on how to keep it in perfect condition – and remember we’re always on hand for conservatory repair!

How many times should you clean the outside of your conservatory throughout the year?

One deep clean once a year should be sufficient but if your conservatory is situated near trees, then it may be appropriate to remove any debris from the guttering more than once.

How do I remove debris from gutters?

Remove all moss, leaves, and twigs from the gutters using a good reliable ladder or a suitable platform in which to reach the guttering. Dependent on your height, a step ladder will probably suffice. We would recommend having someone else supporting you whilst you clean, so they can keep the ladder steady and pass any equipment up to you.

Wear suitable gloves to remove all dirt, leaves, and debris, preferably heavy duty gloves, which will prevent any potentially sharp objects injuring you. Once all this has been removed, place a hosepipe in the gutter to flush out with water.

Can you get conservatory double glazing repaired if it fails?

Often windows can become misty or blown and in need of replacement.  At Cloudy2Clear we specialise in replacing only the glass, not the entire frame saving customers money, time and energy. When it comes to keeping your conservatory looking its best, there’s no need to spend thousands.

How do I clean the roof of my conservatory?

Cleaning the roof of a conservatory should be a straight forward and safe process. Never stand on the roof of your conservatory and ensure you have the right equipment to enable you to reach the highest point, without straining yourself.

An extendable handle with a soft-headed brush or sponge, alongside clean, soapy water, is the safest and most efficient way of cleaning the roof. Gently rinse off an excess soap or debris with a light sprinkling from the hose.

Should I use a pressure washer?

Pressure washers can cause undue damage to the seals of your conservatory, potentially causing leaks. Conservatories are designed to withstand rainfall, not extreme blasts of water.

How do I maintain my locks and hinges?

All locks and hinges should be oiled at least once a year, so it’s another task to remember when completing clean of the conservatory. Use WD40 or another oil based lubricant on all moving parts and mechanisms.

Points to remember on the inside

To ensure your conservatory lasts for many years, ensure that it is well ventilated in the summer, to avoid overheating, and keep it well heated in the winter. Avoiding problems such as condensation, damp, and mould will keep your conservatory feeling warm and cosy, smelling pleasant, and being an enjoyable area of your home for you and your family to appreciate.

For more information on replacing your failed conservatory windows, contact Cloudy2Clear on 0800 61 21 119 today to book a free, no obligation quotation.

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Dehumidifiers are a great way to remove excess moisture from your home and reduce the risk of condensation and mould. Their benefits include reducing odours, decreasing the risk of respiratory irritation, and their lack of a disruption to daily life.

So, when do you need a dehumidifier? If you start to notice a build-up of condensation on your windows or mould on your curtains and behind furniture, it may be a good time to invest in a dehumidifier. Take these preventative tips to reduce your levels of condensation in the home first.

First off, let’s look at the different types of dehumidifier and which one would be best for your needs. There are two different kinds of dehumidifier: desiccant and refrigerant.

Desiccant: Much more suited to cooler temperatures. As air passes through the dehumidifier, the moisture is absorbed by a desiccant material, such as silica gel or granules. The moisture collected is then removed by the addition of heat, causing evaporation. The desiccant material is then ready to collect more humidity.

Refrigerant: Probably the most common type of dehumidifier and work in higher temperatures, such as occupied homes. They condense moisture from the air and then cool that air within the dehumidifier, passing over cold coils to turn it into condensation. This water is then collected and removed, whether through a extractor or manually by removing the water tank.

Your choice of dehumidifier really depends on the size and type of the room you wish to use it in. If you’re looking to reduce humidity in your garage or conservatory, choose a desiccant dehumidifier, and if you require one inside your home, choose refrigerant.

Dehumidifiers also differ in size; smaller ones such as 0.5 litres for box rooms or caravans, and larger ones, up to 20 litres, can help your entire home. Dependent on the size and brand of the dehumidifier affects the price, which can vary from extremely reasonable (around £40) to the higher end of the scale (up to and above £400).

There are other important factors to think about when purchasing a dehumidifier too. We’ve compiled a checklist below to ensure you make a smart investment:

Design: if your dehumidifier will be visible, make sure you choose something that fits with the aesthetic of your home, such as this Ebac 6200, which features wood panelling

Sound levels: having a dehumidifier is vital in some homes, but so is peace and quiet. When choosing one, make sure you check the loudness of the product to be certain it’s something you can put up with

Price: dehumidifiers vary in cost and higher prices don’t necessarily mean better quality; Which? has reviewed a number of different brands here, which allows you to make an informed decision without testing the products yourself.

If you require any more information on replacing your failed double glazing, contact Cloudy2Clear today on 0800 302 9355 or contact us here.