Category: Home improvement

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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