Double glazed windows have been used for many years as a cost effective way of insulating buildings and increasing energy efficiency and security. But we all know too well the annoying sight of water droplets and condensation building up between the panes of glass and how impossible it feels to get rid of.

Why does condensation form in double glazed windows?

Condensation is the result of a difference in temperature between the outside – which is usually colder – and the inside – which is warmer – surfaces of the glazed window. Condensation occurs when vapour is cooled to a certain temperature – resulting in water droplets appearing.

Double glazing units are typically made by two panes of glass being separated by a metal or plastic space forming a gap in which gas can be used or a vacuum created for insulation. The cavities between the panes of glass are usually sealed to the window frame using a rubber seal which prevents air escaping. However, over time the seal can fail, compromising the cavity and allowing warm air between the panes – resulting in condensation

Thanks to the wet winters and humid summers we experience in the UK – condensation is a common occurrence in our homes.

Continue reading Double Glazing Condensation: How to fix it →

When it comes to cleaning your windows – be it giving your conservatory glass a new sheen or polishing up around the house – all know what it’s like to get those annoying streaks. So that’s why we’ve put together a fool-proof guide to getting those windows looks gorgeous, without spending all your time washing and wiping.

The basic ingredients of cleaning your home windows are high quality cleaning agents, durable cleaning materials and – the appropriate method! You also may need help getting that streak-free look and sparking appearance. If possible, you should schedule your cleaning work when there is no direct sunlight on the windows. This helps in getting the best of results as sunlight dries up the cleaning liquid before it can soak the dirt deposited on the windows.

Crack on the window-cleaning tunes… and let’s get going!

Window Cleaning Equipment

• Scrub sleeve with a scrub pad and microfiber – needed for soaking the liquid and removing the hardest of soil and dirt deposits
• Squeegee with rubber edged blade – to scrape the metallic and other non-glass surfaces of the windows
• Washer – for applying chemicals to the windows. You may need multiple sizes for different window sizes.
• Suitable sized bucket – for storing water and cleaning liquids. The length of the bucket should be such that you can dip the washer and soak it.
• Extension pole of suitable length – for reaching the highest window in your home. The pole should be fitted with squeeze handles to apply extra liquid coating while scrubbing.
• Towels and dry clothes – for wiping the windows dry. You may need 10 to 12 of them if you have large windows to clean in multiple rooms.

Window Washing Materials

• Window cleaning liquid is the primary element
• Cleaning soap – required for taking out the hardened soil and dirt particles which may not get removed with the help of liquids.
• Vinegar, salt, baking soda, water, stain removers, anti infection agents and brightening agents.

Cleaning Method

• Start with the internal cleaning of windows. This can be done any time of day as you will be able to reach them from within your home. First use the dry cloth to remove the dust deposition. This helps to avoid scratches caused by dust particles.
• Wet the windows with water (and let it soak for about 2 to 3 minutes if you have time). Then you can apply the cleaning liquid and let it soak the window for another 2 minutes. Now wipe the window with scrub sleeve. Apply the soap on areas with hardened dirt. After soaking for about 10 minutes you can use the squeegee to wipe these parts dry. The squeegee wipes away most of the dirty water and cleaning solution leaving you with a window you can polish to perfection!
• If you have windows that near the ceilings use the extension pole. Keep squeezing the handle so that maximum liquid spreads over the cleaning surfaces.
• Apply the cleaning chemical and soak for about 2 minutes before wiping again with scrub sleeves. This will remove all the deep-seated stains. The most commonly used one is hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Mix it with water in the ratio of 1:4 in the cleaning bucket. You can carry the bucket around easily while moving in and out of your home.
• Once you are through with internal cleaning you can follow the similar procedure for cleaning the external windows surfaces. Upper floor windows may need the use of a ladder or you may be able to do some of the cleaning from inside the house leaning out of the window. Whichever method you choose, be careful – your safety is paramount to any clean windows!
• Finally, to get that streak-free look! Wipe all the windows with dry cloth after the cleaning procedure is complete – now this is the important bit – and ensure you polish in a circular motion to avoid streaks.

Now, enjoy your finished, sparkling windows!

There’s no question that a conservatory can add some much-needed space to a property, or provide a pleasant indoor space that connects you to the outdoors but, if your conservatory is over 15 years old, the roof is more than likely in need of maintenance or complete replacement.

 

The upside of this being the case is that the materials available for use on conservatory roofs have developed significantly and you now have several options boasting various benefits when it comes to the conversion of your conservatory roof.

Whilst a glass roofed conservatory allows for a bright and airy sun room, tiled conservatory roofs are becoming an increasingly popular way of transforming what was once traditionally a summertime room, into a space that can be used all year round. If you haven’t installed a conservatory yet and simply want to extend your property it is also worth considering a simple extension with a sloping or flat roof installation.

 

However, for conservatory lovers, here we consider the pros and cons of both glass and tiled roofs to help you decide on the best option for your conservatory roof replacement.

 

Glass or polycarbonate roofs

 

Most older conservatories are made with either glass or polycarbonate, both of which provide the much sought after benefit of a large amount of natural light. Bringing the outdoors in without having to put a gamble on the great British weather is certainly one of the major reasons why clear-roofed conservatories are so common these days.

 

But for all the appeal that natural light has, glass conservatory roofs are not without their disadvantages.

Roof Glass Panels

A glass roofed conservatory can be incredibly hot during the summer months and unbearably cold throughout the winter meaning the opportunities to enjoy this additional space are limited, with many conservatories ending up as storage rooms.

 

And whilst many of us enjoy the idea of letting natural light, many owners of glass roofed conservatories have complained of fading furniture and fabrics – since the sun naturally bleaches material – and have ended up installing costly blinds to rectify the problem.

 

These days however, technology makes it possible to purchase coated glass which not only has better temperature control properties – reflecting heat and light during the summer and insulating throughout the winter – but can self-clean too, meaning the prospect of regular upkeep when it comes to your glass roof is a thing of the past. You can see how this self-cleaning glass works in the cheesy but effective promo video below:

Although many of the disadvantages presented by glass or polycarbonate conservatory roofs can be rectified, this comes at a cost. But this investment is very much worth considering if you wish to maintain the enjoyment of natural daylight and a clear view of the sky above.

 

Tiled conservatory roofs

A conservatory roof conversion may seem like a major undertaking, but there are some very cost effective and surprisingly simple alternatives to having a glass or polycarbonate roof.

If you’re thinking about a complete conservatory roof replacement then tiles, or solid conservatory roof panels, may be an option that provides you with the transformation you are after, since many tiles and panels designed to slot together easily making the disruption of installation minimal. For instance, the new and innovative Ultraroof-380 tiled roofing materials are made of lightweight, highly-insulated tiles slot together quickly and seamlessly for effortless installation.

 

Converting to a solid conservatory roof can not only create a more permanent and ‘extension-like’ feel to the room but can also provide additional strength and support to the structure, meaning you get the benefits of an extension without the hefty investment. Why start from scratch when you can work with what you’ve got?

 

Without a doubt one of the main disadvantages of installing a tiled conservatory roof is the amount of light you lose. However, this type of conservatory roof generally provides much better insulation throughout the winter, whilst keeping the room cooler during the summer thanks to special thermal technology, allowing you year-round use of the space.

 

This might be a good enough trade off for many but if the loss of natural light really is that unappealing then the installation of some glass conservatory roof panels within the solid roof is another option – and nice compromise between the two. Plus, with the same benefits provided by coated glass – this is a low maintenance solution to a gloomy (get it!) problem.

 

Whichever material you decide on using to replace your conservatory roof, both have their advantages and disadvantages; there’s no doubt that a complete conservatory roof replacement is a major decision with not only cost to take into consideration but installation disruption too.

 

The best advice we can give you is to consider your priorities – be it a sun room or something akin to an extension – and discuss it with a professional who can advise you which option will best suit your requirements. Our team are always available to help offer guidance, so if you’re not sure what option might best suit you or your property, give us a ring anytime.

 

Have you got more questions about the replacement of your conservatory roof? Then why not get in contact with us for more advice. Found this article helpful? Why not share it on Twitter or Facebook!