Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
As one of our areas leading installers of Fenestration products, we have thousands of installations every year. So we understand that from time to time faults can arise.
Occasionally our customers report what they believe to be a fault but often it is in fact a very normal and natural issue that is nothing to be concerned about. The reason why we only use quality windows and doors is because we believe in the superior performance and value they provide.
However it’s important to remember that no material is perfect and as with the majority of materials uPVC can be susceptible to small problems from timeto time.
1. Why is the inside pane of my double glazing so cold?
If the inside pane of your double glazing feels cold it is actually a very good sign that your windows are working correctly to keep your home warm. The reason the glass is cold to touch is because glass is actually an insulator and will not allow heat to transfer through it easily. The double glazing unit has been specifically design to trap in the cold air and keep warmth inside the room. Argon gas is also injected into the space between the two double glazing panes to provide the optimum level of heat efficiency. So there is no need to worry if your double glazing is cold to touch it means it is helping to trap the heat within your home and keep the cold air out.
2. Natural oxidisation of leaded windows ?
Any decorative glazing we supply will usually use leading to complete the design. As with any natural lead product the lead on the windows and doors will be subject to a process called oxidation when it is first exposed to the outside environment. Some people may be concerned at the changes that occur but please be aware that this is perfectly normal and will eventually settle. We use pure lead to provide a superior performance and longevity. Please note that it is a natural process of lead to undergo the oxidation chemical reaction when it is first exposed to the atmosphere. The lead surface gradually oxidizes to form a natural protective film called patina and eventually produces the familiar grey colour lead it known for.
During the initial months after the installation the lead can be expected to appear various colours such as blue, bronze, gold and green.
Also when the lead first comes into contact with moisture (rain, water or condensation) it can result in a temporary discolouration, spotting and the appearance of white powdery deposits which will be basic lead carbonate. Please note that these affects are only temporary and they will disappear once the lead has gone through the oxidation process. The time required to complete the oxidation process will vary depending on the purity of the lead, it’s location, the time of year and weather conditions. You do not need to do anything and the affects do not mean there is a fault with your leaded windows, the process will occur
3. Windows and doors sticking in warm weather ?
As with the majority of materials, uPVC expands and contracts slightly in more intense weather conditions. You may find that in extreme warm and cold weather your windows and doors are becoming stiff and not opening and closing properly. uPVC is known to expand in the heat; at 40°C it is possible for uPVC frames to expand by up to 2.4cm. This is a perfectly natural element of the material and absolutely nothing to be concerned about but it can cause temporary problems and difficulty with opening your windows and doors.
When the temperature cools you should find that your windows and doors return back to normal and no permanent damage will be caused. Unfortunately there is not much that can be done except to wait for the uPVC to cool. However if the swelling does become too extreme you can always try to spray it with cold water or use a cold, damp cloth to pat it down. This should help to cool the plastic and allow it to return back to a normal temperature quicker. We advise that you never attempt to heat up the uPVC if it is very cold as in extreme cases this may cause it to crack.
4. Slightly blue coloured tint to the glass ?
To ensure that our windows keep your home as warm as possible and achieve an A-rating we take additional measures in making them energy efficient. The glass we use has a special coating on to reflect heat back into the room whilst also letting in free heat from the sun. This coating helps to improve your homes energy efficiency and can help to reduce your energy bills. The coating is very fine but it may cause you to notice a very slight blue haze or tint in certain lights. As with all glass, there is potential for your double glazing to display ‘haze’ at certain times throughout the year, particularly when the sun is out and shining directly on your windows. This is completely normal and will never cause damage or lower the permanent visual quality of the glass.
5. What causes condensation on windows?
The contrast between the temperatures at each side of the windows makes it the perfect location for condensation to form, due to the cold temperature outside of the property and the heat coming from our heating systems on the inside. Good quality, well insulated windows help to make your home much warmer and prevent condensation from forming on unwanted surfaces.
6. Condensation on the inside facing glass of your windows ?
If you’re finding the inside facing glass is gathering condensation and making your windowsill wet it can be annoying but it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a fault with your windows. The main reason this type of condensation gathers is due to factors inside your home, such as the ventilation and how many people live in the property. Little things such as purchasing a dehumidifier can help massively and mean that you should not have to replace your windows.
7. Condensation on the outside facing glass of your windows ?
Condensation forming on the outside facing glass is actually a really good sign that your windows are working correctly and keeping your home well insulated. Such condensation should disappear once the temperature outside heats up but this does not indicate any fault with your windows.
8. Condensation between the two panes of glass ?
Having condensation and moisture trapped between your window glass can look unsightly and ruin the look of your home. It is one of the most common double glazing problems that affects UK households and is a major sign that the seal on your double glazing has failed and will need replacing. The performance of your windows will be decreased meaning that it could be costing you more than it should to heat each room as warm air will be escaping through the windows and cold outside air is being allowed in.
Condensation can cause real problems within your home and affect the way it looks and smells. While some form of condensation is normal and to be expected, if it is forming between the panes of glass in your windows then it suggests a fault within your window unit. Replacing such windows will have a huge benefit on how warm your home is and how efficient it is to heat.
9.How to prevent condensation damage in your home ?
Increase ventilation – If your home is suffering from condensation, damp or mould the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside. Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property. It’s best to keep windows open when doing activities that produce excess moisture such as bathing, showering and cooking. You should not draught proof your kitchen and bathroom if you have a severe condensation problem. Ventilation systems such as extractor fans can massively help to reduce the condensation in your home.
Reduce the moisture – Everyday home activities will produce moisture into the air that cannot be avoided, the more people living in a property the more moisture will be released. Reducing how much moisture is in the air can have a huge impact in tackling condensation dampness. Little changes such as having your tumble dryer vented outside and hanging washing on an outside line instead of drying it inside the home can really help. If you have a condensation dampness issue it is never a good idea to dry clothes indoors or over radiators. The best thing you can do to reduce the moisture in your home is to open windows when creating steam through bathing and cooking and keep the door that connects this room to others closed.
Heating – It helps to try and keep the temperature inside the property reasonably consistent and to regularly heat your home to a warm temperature. This stops there being a stark contrast in temperature that allows condensation to develop. Having a warm and well maintained home is an unlikely environment for mould growth.
Insulation – Making sure your home is better insulated can also really help when tackling condensation and dampness. Double glazing, wall insulation and draft proofing will help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from your home. Having well installed, energy efficient windows will help to keep the property’s temperature high which can have a massive impact on condensation and mould growth.
10. My windows are drafty?
This issue occurs when a window doesn’t shut properly, the locking system no longer works, or the windows are single glazed. Windows with double glazing are significantly more energy-efficient than single glazed windows, so you could end up saving quite a lot of money on your heating bills by switching.
