Posts

Condensation on window

Condensation: What It Is & How to Stop It

/in /by

Condensation can be a common problem in many homes, especially during the colder months. It’s more than just an inconvenience — excessive condensation can damage your windows, and walls, and even lead to mould growth, which may cause health issues. If you’ve been wondering how to stop condensation on windows, this blog will provide all the tips and insights you need.

What is Condensation?

Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window. The moisture in the air cools down and forms water droplets on the glass. This is a common issue in homes, particularly during winter, when the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is more extreme.

Condensation often appears on windows, especially those with poor insulation or inadequate ventilation. If left untreated, it can lead to the growth of mould, which thrives in damp conditions.

Condensation on window

What Causes Condensation on Windows?

Several factors contribute to the build-up of condensation on windows:

  • Temperature differences: Warm indoor air meets the cold surface of the windows, causing moisture to form.
  • High humidity levels: Daily activities such as cooking, showering, and even breathing release moisture into the air.
  • Inadequate ventilation: Poor airflow traps moist air inside, which eventually condenses on colder surfaces like windows.

In homes where condensation is a constant issue, it’s crucial to understand these causes to find effective solutions.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows

Stopping condensation on windows requires a combination of improving insulation and reducing indoor humidity levels. Here are several steps you can take:

  1. Install Double or Triple Glazing:
    Double or triple-glazed windows help maintain a higher temperature inside, reducing the chance of condensation. These windows come with energy-efficient glass and an insulated gap between the panes, preventing heat from escaping while keeping the interior glass warmer.
  2. Improve Ventilation:
    Good ventilation is crucial for preventing condensation. In moisture-heavy rooms like the kitchen and bathroom, make sure to open windows or use extractor fans. Proper airflow helps reduce the humidity levels, making it harder for condensation to form on windows. You can also use dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture.
  3. Use Insulating Curtains:
    Thick curtains can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in, preventing the glass from cooling down too much and reducing the chance of condensation forming.
  4. Control Room Temperature:
    Keeping your home at a consistent temperature prevents rapid cooling, which contributes to condensation. Avoid sharp drops in temperature, especially overnight.

double glazed windows

How to Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight

Many homeowners experience condensation on their windows first thing in the morning. This is because, during the night, the temperature drops, and the moisture from breathing can settle on the windows. To prevent this:

  • Ensure proper ventilation in the bedroom by leaving a window slightly open or using a dehumidifier.
  • Use thermal or double-glazed windows to keep your windows warmer throughout the night.

How to Prevent Condensation on Walls

Condensation isn’t just limited to windows — it can also appear on walls. To prevent condensation on walls, ensure good airflow throughout your home. Keep furniture a few inches away from walls to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, avoid overfilling wardrobes and cupboards to let air move freely.

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Double-Glazed Windows

If you notice condensation inside the sealed unit of your double-glazed windows, it usually indicates a seal failure. This means the insulating gas between the panes has escaped, allowing moisture to enter. In this case, it’s essential to have the window professionally inspected and potentially replaced. You may be able to repair the seal, but often a replacement unit is required to resolve the issue permanently.

Final Thoughts

Condensation is a common issue but one that can be managed with the right approach. By improving ventilation, upgrading your windows, and maintaining a consistent temperature, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of condensation forming on your windows and walls. Following these steps will not only improve the comfort of your home but also help protect your property from the damage condensation can cause.

If you need professional assistance or advice on upgrading your windows to prevent condensation, Select Windows offers expert services tailored to keep your home dry and comfortable year-round.

Types of Glass

Types of Glass: The Ultimate Guide

/in /by

Whether you’re looking for enhanced noise reduction, extra durability, or a unique design, there’s a glass option to suit your needs. Here’s a guide to the different types of glass available to help you make the best choice for your windows and doors.

Stained Glass

Stained Glass

Stained glass is a versatile and visually striking option that offers a broad spectrum of design possibilities for both windows and doors. Whether you prefer intricate, classic motifs or sleek, modern patterns, stained glass can transform the look of your home with its unique artistry. It allows you to infuse personality into your living space, adding vibrant colours and intricate detailing that draw the eye.

This type of glass not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also retains the timeless beauty associated with traditional stained glass, bringing a touch of elegance and individuality to any room. Its customisable nature makes it a perfect choice for homeowners looking to make a bold, yet tasteful, design statement.

Toughened Glass

TOUGHENED GLASS

Toughened glass is a durable and safety-enhanced option available in a range of thicknesses, typically between 4mm and 10mm. The glass undergoes a specialised thermal treatment process, which dramatically increases its strength, making it significantly tougher than standard glass. This makes it ideal for areas of the home where safety is a priority, such as doors, low-level windows, or high-traffic areas. When toughened glass breaks, it doesn’t shatter into sharp, dangerous shards but instead crumbles into small, blunt pieces, minimising the risk of injury.

Its robust structure, combined with its safety features, makes it perfect for homes with children or in locations prone to accidents. Additionally, toughened glass can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for areas that experience high heat or sudden temperature changes.

Solar Control Glass

Solar control glass is ideal for sun-filled rooms, as it helps regulate heat. By reflecting or absorbing more solar energy than standard glass, it keeps your space bright without allowing excessive heat during the summer months. Invisible rays are blocked, while visible sunlight fills the room.

Obscure Glass

For enhanced privacy, obscure glass is an excellent choice. With a variety of classic and contemporary designs available, it provides privacy without sacrificing light. Obscure glass is also a great option for internal rooms where more natural light is needed.obscure glass

Double Glazed Glass

A+13 Rated Units

Double glazing offers superior energy efficiency, featuring Linear’s six-chamber frames for maximum thermal performance. Each unit is filled with argon gas and uses an Energyplus outer frame that’s insulated within its multi-chambers.

double glazed windows

  • Optiwhite Low Iron Glass Outer Pane: This glass provides high light transmission and boosts solar gain, bringing free heat from the sun into your home.
  • Warm Edge Space Bar: Positioned between the two glass panes, this spacer is 22 times more efficient than aluminum at preventing heat transfer around the edges.
  • Pilkington K Glass S Inner Pane: A hard-coated low-emissivity glass that reflects heat back into your home while letting in free solar energy for passive heat gain.

Triple Glazed Glass

triple glazed glassA++21 Premier Plus

For the ultimate in energy efficiency, triple glazing offers unparalleled insulation with a 36mm sealed unit. Like double glazing, these units are filled with argon gas and feature a highly insulated Energyplus outer frame.

  • Outer Pane: Optiwhite glass maximizes light transmission and boosts solar gain, drawing in free heat from the sun.
  • Middle Pane: This pane features the trusted Pilkington K Glass coating that reflects internal heat while allowing free solar energy into the home.
  • Inside Pane: The Low E high-performance glass reflects heat back into your home, further improving thermal efficiency.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect glass for privacy, energy efficiency, or aesthetic appeal, Select Windows has a wide range of options to fit your needs. Get in touch today to explore how our glass solutions can enhance your home!

building

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: 5 FEMALES WHO MADE THE HOME IMPROVEMENTS INDUSTRY WHAT IT IS TODAY.

/in /by

In honour of International Women’s Day, here at Select Windows we have taken the opportunity to celebrate the women that have shaped and are continuing to shape the industry today.

From our factory floor, to the accounts office we have our own team of strong, inspirational women who help us run our company smoothly. To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of the top five women who have paved the way for the industry today:

  1. ELIZABETH WILBRAHAH (1632-1705)

Believed by scholars to be the first female architect, Elizabeth Wilbrahah was behind the design of hundreds of buildings, including Weston Park in Staffordshire. Having married at 19 she used her extended honeymoon to study architecture in the Netherlands and Italy. Some of her surviving drawings show the first sash windows in England, a design which is still popular today.

Photo credit; Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit; Pixabay

4. ZAHA HADID (1950-2016)

As the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Zaha Hadid went on to design a variety of projects all over the world. Known for her bold, unconventional and theatrical designs her projects have shaped the industry. Among  those projects, is the Aquatics Centre in London. The 2012 Olympic Venue was designed by Zaha Hadid to be reused.

3. SADIE MORGAN

Sadie Morgan is currently one of the most powerful architects in the UK. Her firm, dRMM have an impressive portfolio of designs from educational buildings to residential homes. Her first project, with partners Alex de Rijke and Philip Marsh won seven awards. Over 20 years in her career she has won a variety of esteemed awards including being shortlisted for Architects’ Journal’s Woman Architect of the Year in 2014.

Photo credit; dRMM

Want add more light to your home? Why not look at our range of Orangery’s and Conservatories and give your home a new lease of life for the Spring.

Flickr: Australian National Maritime Museum

2. ELSIE MACKAY (1893-1928)

Elsie Mackay was a British interior decorator who was behind many of the interior designs of P&0 ‘R’ Class Ships of 1925. She created some stunning designs for ships throughout the company, which belonged to her father. Mackay then gained her pilots licence, as she hoped to be the first female pilot to fly the Atlantic. Sadly, she died aged 35, attempting to do so.

  1. EILEEN GRAY (1878 – 1976)

 As one of the first women to attend the Slade School of Art, Irish born, Eileen Gray was a pioneer of the Modern Movement in Architecture. She was one of the first architects to utilise steel tubular structures. One of her most famous projects was her creation of the E-1027 Villa. The Villa is L-Shaped with a flat roof and features floor to ceiling windows, creating an open and light building.

Photo credit; Villa E-1027, Cap Moderne, photograph Manuel Bougot www.manuelbougot.com. 2016
valentines windows

TREAT YOUR HOME AS WELL AS YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINES DAY

/in , /by

TREAT YOUR HOME, AS WELL AS YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINES DAY

Security, warmth, longevity – the key components to any successful relationship as well as the qualities you require from your windows and doors. That’s why at Select Windows, we believe you should treat your home, as well as your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

SECURITY

Feeling safe in your home is the most important thing, that’s why we fit all of our products with the most secure lock on the market. The British Standard 3 Star Maximum Cyclinder Security from ERA offers you the highest protection for your home, giving you piece of mind that you and your loved one aren’t at risk in your home. All of our products are also accredited by the Secured by Design police backed initiative for extra reassurance in the security of our windows and doors.

WARMTH

A cosy night in with your partner isn’t quite the same if you are experiencing problems with draught, leaks or the cold. So why not invest in an upgrade for your home to ensure you stay warm? Our windows and doors are made to achieve the highest levels of weather-tightness and resistance to draughts. Retaining the heat in the winter and resisting condensation, our energy efficient windows will also reduce your energy bills – so you can spend more on flowers and chocolate than on your bills!

LONGEVITY

Just like you want a relationship that’s built to last, you want your home to survive the long haul. That’s why investing in new windows and doors will add value and security to your home for years to come.  With strong and weather proof material, our windows and doors can revamp your home with a new look whilst providing a low maintenance and energy efficient result.  You can choose from a variety of different styles and colours, recreating the look of your home with your partner together.

UPVC Facias & Soffits

BUY NOW, PAY 2019

/in , , /by

OUR BUY NOW, PAY 2019 SCHEME

At Select Windows we know that all of our customers have different budgets. That’s why we offer a variety of different payment options, so no matter what your budget you can get the dream look for your home. 

We offer a ‘Buy Now, Pay 2019’ scheme in conjunction with Barclays Bank on all of our products. With a series of monthly payments you don’t have to worry about having the money straight away.  Our expert team will talk you through the options so that you can find the most convenient option for you. 

Why not visit our showroom and speak to one of our team about what will work best for you?