Category: News

There’s no doubt about it; Britain has some of the most unpredictable weather, as well as some of the most miserable.

It’s so important that we ensure our homes are well looked after and maintained effectively, both from a longevity and security point of view. Below, we’ve outlined some of our top tips for maintaining your windows during autumn, and into winter too.

Improve insulation

Invest in some heavy curtains for these colder months as it will be a small change with a big difference. With a proper lining and thick material, curtains can actually provide more than just privacy and darkness, but also warmth and insulation. Think about blinds too; multiple layers of insulation will not only keep draughts out, they’ll contribute to locking in warmth and keeping your heating bills down as the weather gets colder.

Here at Cloudy2Clear, we also provide insulating glass when repairing any failed double glazing or even if you’re just looking for an upgrade.

Repair faulty locks, handles, and hinges

Windows that don’t quite shut properly, or those that can’t open for ventilation to reduce condensation, can be a hinderance throughout October – March. Ensuring that you check each and every window for stiffness, sticking, or broken / faulty locks is an important window maintenance task. This will prevent unnecessary draughts, improve security, and make sure you have that all important ventilation, especially when you start putting the central heating back on.

Clean away mould

Mould is an annoyance, as well as potentially affecting yours and your family’s health. Making sure you remove this safely and effectively is important for not only the aesthetics of your windows and home, but also for the ongoing health and well-being of your family. You can prevent mould from growing by removing moisture from your windows regularly; keeping furniture away from windows; and using ventilation techniques, such as extractor fans and keeping a window open when cooking or showering.

Protecting frames and seals

When preventing or removing mould during the autumn, make sure you use the correct cleaning products and techniques to avoid unnecessary damage. Scouring pads may seem like a good idea, but they can break up your seals, potentially causing your double glazing to fail, as well as damaging the look of your uPVC frames.

Streak-free shine

That watery, autumnal sunshine can magnify the smears and streaks on your windows. For clear glass that will be the envy of all your neighbours, check out our top tips for cleaning your double glazed windows. Cleaning them on regular basis will stop a build-up of residue throughout the autumnal / winter months when the weather becomes more erratic.

Repairing failed double glazing

Although we can repair cloudy or misted up windows any time of year, autumn is particularly popular for our customers as it allows them to get all of those home improvement jobs out of the way before Christmas comes around (only 9 weeks to go!).

If you’ve noticed that your windows are becoming increasingly condensed, or have stiff locks, handles, or hinges, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for more information. With autumn in full swing and winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to treat your windows to a bit of TLC.

Even with modern window products and materials, faults can be common. Although many issues are usually harmless and won’t affect the effectiveness of your double or triple glazing, some can become bigger problems in the future, so it’s important to look out for them and be aware when they need addressing.

Windows and doors not opening / closing properly or sticking

Although you may view this as an inconvenience more so than a serious problem, if you have difficulty opening your windows or shutting them, this may make them more susceptible to thieves. Even a slight gap in a window can catch a burglar’s eye; it’s simply not worth putting the job off.

uPVC windows and doors are notorious for expanding and contracting during very hot, as well as very cold, weather. In the UK, our weather conditions can change at the blink of an eye, so if your windows and doors are sticking uncharacteristically, it’s worth making a note of the climate before you make any assumptions about ongoing problems with your windows and doors.

However, most windows stick or don’t close properly because of the locks, handles, or hinges (and if you’re really unlucky, all three!). Not being able to open your windows properly can lead to poor ventilation throughout your home, which could lead to black mould and other unpleasant problems.

At Cloudy2Clear, we offer a comprehensive window lock repairs service for these particular assets; just contact your local branch today to arrange a free, no obligation quotation. We would recommend you call the experts before you try and fix any issues yourself, as sometimes this can worsen the problem and be more expensive in the long run.

Condensation between the panes

Not only can condensation between the panes of your double glazed windows affect your view, it can also affect the energy efficiency of your windows. It can be tempting to leave this kind of issue; after all, you might think it’s only the view from your window that you’re missing out on, but there are potentially more serious issues at stake.

Blown double glazing could lead would-be thieves to believe you’re lax with your security as you don’t look after your property as well as those who have faultless windows. Fully-working double glazing can actually be seen as a deterrent to criminals. You’re more likely to have a working alarm system and will have locked all your windows with keys.

Misty or cloudy double glazing, in the form of condensation between the panes, also could mean that you’re at risk of losing heat from your home, reducing energy efficiency, and potentially increasing your electricity or gas bills over the winter.

Dirty windows and window maintenance

We know – cleaning your windows inside, and especially outside, can be a laborious and time-consuming process and not something you’re going to look forward to doing. However, window maintenance is extremely important for ensuring the longevity of your double or triple glazing, as well as deterring burglars.

Clean windows are an indication that you look after your home, you’re up on your security, and you’re proud of your assets i.e. you’ve ensured that your home is protected.

You can read our window maintenance guide here for more information on how to prolong the life of your double or triple glazing.

To address the issues above, see our range of window services below:

– Double glazing repairs
– Double glazed door repairs
– Insulating glass
– Conservatory window repairs
– Caravan window repairs
– Locks, handles, and hinges
– Broken window repairs
– Velux Window Repairs
– Commercial window repairs
– Soundproofing & noise reduction

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.