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Your essential guide to static caravan window maintenance

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

The upshot of caravan ownership is having a home away from home to relax, make memories and enjoy a much-needed break. The not-so-easy side is maintaining it. But to keep your caravan comfortable, safe and looking its best, regular maintenance – particularly of your windows – is a necessity.

Windows have a bigger part to play than just your caravan’s appearance; they have the power to make or break your comfort levels and energy efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and advice to help you maintain your caravan windows, spot potential issues early, and understand when it’s time to call in the professionals.

static caravan

Why does caravan window maintenance matter?

Your static caravan is exposed to the elements all year round, from the harsh cold of winter to the heat of the summer. Alongside other aspects of your caravan (such as the roof), your caravan windows need proper care and attention to make sure they’re doing their job.

When maintenance schedules are forgotten, it’s easy for common issues to go unnoticed. If you’re able to catch these issues early, you can prevent them from becoming bigger problems. If issues go unresolved for too long, it can have a bigger hit on your wallet in the long run.

Let’s explore some of the most common problems you need to look out for.

3 caravan window problems to look out for

Problem 1: Your windows are frequently misty or suffer from condensation

When moisture gets trapped between panes, it causes condensation. If you spot that your windows are frequently misty, or notice condensation is becoming a common occurrence, it could be a sign that your window seals need replacing.

Problem 2: You notice draughts and leaks

Can you feel a cold draught around your windows? Perhaps you’re beginning to notice water seeping inside after a heavy downpour? If this is the case, damaged window seals or cracked frames might be the culprit, which makes for a chilly stay and higher energy costs.

Problem 3: You spot damaged or broken glass

Stormy weather, accidental knocks, and general wear can lead to cracked or broken glass. If you notice cracks in your glass, it’s important to address it as soon as possible for your safety and security.

Not all of the issues listed above can be prevented, but regular caravan window maintenance can reduce the impact of the problem by catching it early.

Practical tips for maintaining caravan windows

While it’s important to keep your eyes open for any issues concerning the windows of your caravan, there are things you can do to prevent them. Here are some easy, practical tips you can do to keep your static caravan windows in great shape:

✅ Do regular inspections: Every few months, inspect seals, hinges, frames, and locks for any signs of wear or damage.

✅ Use the right cleaning products: Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products and a soft cloth to maintain sparkling windows without damaging surfaces.

✅ Take steps to reduce condensation: Good ventilation is key for preventing condensation. Regularly air your caravan, and consider using moisture absorbers to keep humidity under control.

✅ Seasonal checks: Before winter storage and again in spring, check windows thoroughly to catch potential issues early.

Repair or replace caravan windows: How to decide

Sometimes, regular maintenance isn’t enough, and you’ll encounter a problem with your windows. You’ll need to decide whether your caravan windows require repairs or a complete replacement.

Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision:

When to choose repair When to choose replacement
Your windows have small leaks or draughts that can be fixed by replacing seals or hinges. Your windows show persistent condensation or heavy misting, indicating severely compromised seals.
Condensation or misting is low-level and occasional, indicating early-stage seal failure. Glass panes are cracked, broken, or significantly damaged, creating safety and security risks.
The frames and glass panes are intact, and the overall condition of the window is generally good. Windows are outdated or no longer energy-efficient, resulting in high heating costs and reduced comfort.

 

TOP TIP: Keeping your caravan windows in good condition is key to maintaining comfort, efficiency, and security. For more advice on how to boost insulation and protect your caravan, check out our static caravan insulation and security guide.

At Cloudy2Clear, we specialise in hassle-free static caravan window repairs and replacements. Our experts are experienced in resolving issues quickly, with minimal disruption to your relaxation time. We offer:

  • Free, no-obligation quotes
  • Specialist knowledge of caravan window systems
  • Convenient, cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs

So, if you’re having trouble with your caravan double-glazing, book your free assessment today and see how we can help.

Why does double glazing become cloudy?

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

condensation failed double glazing cloudy2clearIf your home is fitted with double glazed windows, you may have noticed mist forming in between the panes.

This problem is more common than you might think — and it can lead to more serious issues. Not only do cloudy windows obscure your view, but they can even cause your home to lose heat and pose a security risk.

Thankfully, double glazing is like bread and butter to our crack team of engineers. They’re always looking for new ways to understand how double glazing becomes ineffective and identify innovative solutions to solve the problem.

To help you understand why double glazing can fail, we asked our operations manager, Kirk, for his expert opinion. Below, he explains what causes double glazing to become cloudy or misted and what you can do to make sure your windows are always in the best condition.

How to tell if double glazing has failed

If you have cloudy or blown double glazing, there are a few telltale signs that you can look out for.

The most obvious way of knowing that your double glazing has failed is that your windows become cloudy or foggy between the panes of glass. Take a look at a comparison:

You can spot earlier signs, too. Water leaking through the window frame of draughts is also an indicator that there is an issue with your double glazing.

What causes cloudy double glazing?

1. Poorly fitted windows

If your windows were improperly installed, they’ll deteriorate quickly. In extreme cases, they could become cloudy in less than a year. But why does this happen?

When double glazing is fitted incorrectly, your window panes and frames won’t be suitably aligned. This means your seals won’t last and gaps will form, allowing air and moisture into your panes.

It’s important to do your research and make sure you choose a highly recommended window fitting company with a proven track record for quality.

2. Using the wrong products

You’d be surprised at how often double glazing can be damaged by human error alone. Many people use harsh chemical products to clean their windows, which is not only unnecessary but can reduce the effectiveness of your windows.

A simple mixture of warm water and white vinegar is the perfect combination to care for your windows and leave them sparkling for longer. Take a look at our full guide to window maintenance to ensure you’re doing everything you can to preserve the life of your double glazing.

3. Damaged seals

Whether it’s due to poor installation or simply wear and tear, broken or faulty seals are one of the most common causes of cloudy and blown double glazing.

Windows are affected by weather conditions and will therefore expand and contract when temperatures rise and fall. Although not visible to homeowners, this movement takes its toll on window seals, made worse by poor materials or shoddy craftsmanship.

Damaged seals allow moisture to find its way between the window panes, which is notoriously difficult to remove. Once inside, the moisture causes condensation and means windows will become misted.

4. Window age

Time is another factor that plays a part in the health of your double glazing. The date that your double glazing was first installed impacts how well they will perform. Not only because the seals will become less effective over time, but also due to modern fitting methods being more reliable than those in previous years.

How to clear misted double glazed windows

Fixing cloudy double glazing is usually a case of replacing your windows altogether. This can be an expensive endeavour, especially if only one misted window needs replacing, as most window fitters will require that you buy an entirely new unit.

This is where we come in.

At Cloudy2Clear, we’ve perfected the technique of repairing faulty double glazing by removing just the pane, not the frame. This method, which we’ve honed over years of service and thousands of happy customers, is not only cheaper but a reliable way to replace faulty double glazing. You can see exactly how much money you could save here.

Our double glazing replacement service is carried out by trained professionals and comes with a 25-year guarantee, so you know you’re in safe hands. Contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for your free, no-obligation quote.

 

A Brief History of Double Glazing

Posted November 1, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

Double glazing has been around for decades and is the norm for the majority of UK homes. With 93% of homeowners having double-glazed windows installed, it’s become a part of everyday life for most of us. 

But where did it all begin and how did double glazing become so popular?

insulating glass

Who invented double glazing?

The exact origin of double glazing is a debated subject. Some believe that it was created by American inventor C.D Haven in the 1930s, whereas others claim it goes back as far as Victorian Scotland.

As people used to rely on fires to keep warm, heat retention was notoriously difficult, especially in large houses. C.D Haven sought to fix this problem and invented an early version of double glazing called ‘thermopane’. Haven’s invention was a revolution that transformed homes across America, becoming widely adopted during the 40s and 50s. 

When did double glazing start to become popular in the UK?

After its popularisation in the USA, the UK followed suit and began to widely produce double glazing in the 1970s and 80s. There were of course window companies in the UK before this point, but they only produced single-glazed windows previously. 

Window specialists began with a ‘second window’ system in the mid-60s, which involved removing rotting timbers and replacing the original window with a second layer of glass.

Although this was a popular product for the time, aluminium double glazing was the next big breakthrough in the late 70s. 

From the 1980s onwards, double glazing became standard for new UK homes. Although only about 8% of UK homes featured double glazing in the 70s, the concept quickly took off and now 93% of homes in the UK are fitted with double-glazed windows.

How are double-glazed windows made?

The manufacturing process for double glazing is actually very straightforward. In fact, it’s part of the reason why double-glazed windows became such a hit. 

Essentially, double glazing is two panes of glass separated by a spacer, creating a hermetically-sealed gap. This gap will then be filled with inert gas, such as argon, under vacuum conditions. 

This process is what stops moisture entering between your window panes and prevents your windows from becoming cloudy with condensation.

Why are they so effective?

As well as preventing water from getting in, the layer of gas within the seal makes it more difficult for heat to escape. Windows are the biggest cause of heat loss in homes, which makes double glazing very desirable to environmentally conscious homeowners.

In fact, if you live in an entirely single-glazed home, you could save the following on your energy bills each year by upgrading to double glazing:

Energy Rating Detached Semi   Mid terrace Bungalow Mid-floor flat
A-rated £120-155 £80-110 £65-85 £55-75 £40-55
B-rated £110-140 £75-100 £60-80 £50-70 £35-55
C-rated £105-135 £75-95 £60-75 £50-65 £35-50

 

In truth, the popularity of double glazing is that they offer a number of advantages that single-glazed windows can’t compete with, including:

Noise reduction

Increased security

Temperature control

Adds value to your home

 

What does the future of double glazing look like? 

There was once talk within the industry of triple glazing becoming the norm across the UK. However, it’s unlikely to take off anytime soon.

Triple-glazed windows work in the same way as double glazing, with an extra pane of glass to create two hermetically-sealed layers of gas. Although this does offer more insulation, it’s not a significant amount when compared to traditional double glazing. This means that the minimal insulation gain isn’t enough to offset the much higher production costs.

Triple glazing is more popular in colder regions such as Norway and Sweden, where the insulation benefits have more of an impact on homes. In the UK, however, it’s unlikely that we’ll see an overhaul of traditional double glazing.

If you would like to learn more about double glazing or if you’re concerned that your windows have begun to fail, get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for 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.

condensation

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

how to prevent 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.

 

New TV Advert! Cloudy2Clear gets steamy with house proud Susan!

Posted July 16, 2019 by Ian Greenhalgh

Has your double glazing steamed up? We replace the pane, not the frame saving you money, energy and time! We can also replace your locks, handles and hinges. With over 35 branches nationwide our engineers can provide services throughout the UK.

Click the play button below to see the new advert.


Video transcript

I’m very house proud. Everything in its right place. But there’s no place for misty windows. What will the neighbours think? Calm down, Susan. Click Cloudy to Clear. Free quote, no fuss. They replace the pane, not the frame. Love the new glass. They replace locks, handles and hinges too. That’s money saved for home improvements.

Replace your misty glass from just £90 and get our 25 year guarantee. For a free quote, click cloudytoclear.co.uk Cloudy to Clear.