Homes Extra: Let it Shine

Monday, 30 September 2024 14:36

By Sara Whatley

Let your windows sparkle and shine with some special window TLC. Sara Whatley finds out more

In every child’s drawing of a house, you will find a door in the middle at the bottom, and above, on either side of the door will be two pretty little windows, often with curtains drawn to the side. Needless to say, windows are an essential part of our homes.

Big or small, open or closed, what do your windows say about your property? And more importantly, is it time for a clean, a revamp or a completely refreshed look with a brand new set of windows?

With strong design features, windows and doors can set the tone of a property, and come in a huge variety of styles to suit the rest of the home. Good-looking, well-maintained windows and doors will automatically enhance the kerb appeal of your home, and hopefully be pleasing for owners and visitors alike. Let’s take a look at some of the most common window topics.

Maintenance

With regular cleaning and maintenance your windows will be in their best condition, both visually and physically. This will prolong their life, make using them easier and will also make sure they look their best.

Maintenance can include looking after locks and hinges, handles and any moving parts – making sure they move freely, and are clean and secure.

Glass should be clean, clear, crack free and securely sealed, and sills should be clean and maintained depending on the finish – painted, varnished, wiped and dry.

Condensation

From time to time most of us will notice condensation on our windows. It is formed when the humidity inside the home is too high, or when warm air collides with a cold surface – you will notice condensation in winter when the heating is on and it is cold outside.

Condensation can be a sign that your home is not adequately ventilated, and if left untreated it could cause damp patches or mould; particularly harmful for people with respiratory or allergic tendencies, or for those with lowered immune systems.

Many windows are double or triple glazed, which is beneficial to help insulate your home and keep energy bills lower, but these too can suffer from condensation. If the condensation is on the inside of the glass then make sure to wipe the moisture away, preventing mould forming, and look to reduce the humidity in that room.

If the condensation is between the panes of glass this usually means the seal has failed. Seals can deteriorate over time, letting air into the window cavity which can then condensate. Professional window companies can solve this problem by replacing just the glazing panels – rather than the whole window unit. However, if your windows have reached the end of their life, it might be time for…

Replacement

All things come to the end of their lifespan, even windows. If you are seeing persistent condensation, higher energy bills, or can see cracks or breaks in old window unit then replacement windows might be on the cards. A professional can advise on this if you are unsure.

Of course, you may want to replace windows for aesthetic reasons – a house redevelopment for example. Or building work in the house – perhaps an extension – requires new windows and makes you reassess the rest of the windows in your house.

Refurbishment

Refreshing or modernising your windows doesn’t always mean a complete replacement, however. Spray painting can breathe a new lease of life into uPVC frames, wooden or aluminium ones.

Turn your flaky old white frames into sophisticated anthracite grey ones or fading wood to a homely moss green. There are literally thousands of colours to choose from, allowing you to personalise your design, and the look of your home.

7 WAYS TO HELP REDUCE CONDENSATION

Regularly open windows

Use lids when cooking

Close doors to kitchen and bathroom

Use extractor fans

Dry clothes outside

Make sure rooms are adequately heated in cold weather

Let air circulate – move furniture away from external walls and de-clutter wardrobes and cupboards

Homes Extra: Let it Shine

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