Condensation between the panes of a double-glazed window unit can give the appearance of droplets, cloudy windows or a misted effect. It is unsightly and can be very irritating as it will spoil the view to the outside.

However, the real problem with cloudy windows is that it is a sign that your windows are not performing as well as they should.

In this guide, we will explain why you get condensation between the panes and what you should do about it.

Why do I have condensation between the panes on my window?

Both double and triple-glazed windows work by having an airtight layer of gas or air between the panes of glass. This gas creates a layer of insulation that improves the energy efficiency of your windows.

New double-glazed windows have an A rating for energy efficiency, meaning they help keep cold air out and warm air in. This significantly reduces heat loss and helps to lower your heating bills.

Over time, the seals on your windows may break down, stopping the inner gap between your panes from being airtight. Once the insulating properties are lost, moisture gathers and creates condensation that cannot be removed, causing the windows to look misted or cloudy. It is often referred to as a ‘blown window’.

Should I worry about condensation between the panes of my window?

Apart from your irritation that your window does not look clean, there is a more severe problem when you have condensation between your window panes.

The condensation is a sign that your window seal has failed, and your windows will no longer have their A-rated energy-insulating properties. You will be losing heat, and you may find your energy bills start to increase.

Condensation between your window panes means the unit will probably have the same efficiency as a single-glazed unit, and you will have lost the benefit of your double-glazing.

The Energy Saving Trust suggests that A-rated windows can save a household up to £160 a year in heating bills. Cloudy or misty windows will greatly reduce that saving.

Once you have one cloudy window, you may find other windows in your home begin to suffer the same problem. Each misty window will increase the amount of heat loss in your home, leaving you with higher heating bills.

What can I do about condensation between the panes of my windows?

The simplest option is to contact a window company to replace the damaged panes on your window and reseal the window. You may want to replace the individual unit to ensure you regain the energy efficiency of a new window.

If your windows are all of a similar age, it is worth considering whether it would be more cost-efficient to replace all your windows. New double glazing will be more energy efficient with A ratings and have lower u values.

Once one window has blown, it could be a sign that your windows are ageing and beginning to fail. Replacing them all may be a wise investment if it reduces your heating bills.

If you want to know more about replacing a window with condensation between the panes, please get in touch with us at Colne Valley Windows for advice and a free quote.

The post How can I get rid of cloudy windows caused by condensation between the panes? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Burglary is a horrible crime leaving you feeling unsafe in your home. You not only risk losing valuables but also sentimental items that cannot be replaced.

You only need to glance at your local Facebook page to see how worried people are about crime rates. UK Crime Stats shows that there has been an average of 19,736 burglaries each month over the last six months.

Police commissioners across the country have warned that the cost of living crisis could increase crime rates as more people struggle.

Home security is all about making your home less attractive to intruders and keeping entry points secure.

In this guide, we will provide you with five simple steps you can take to improve your home security and keep your family and possessions safe.

1. Change Your Locks

Changing your locks is essential to remember when you move into a new home. You will have no idea who has a spare set of keys, so it is always recommended that you change your locks.

Not only will you have peace of mind, but you will also be confident that you will be covered by your home insurance should you be burgled. Insurance companies will not usually pay out if a key is used to gain entry rather than a forced break-in.

Remember to only give new spare keys to people you can 100% trust.

2. Check your Doors and Windows

Old doors and windows can pose a considerable security risk. Their poor condition can make it easy for burglars to gain entry, and your home may become more of a target.

Rotten wooden window frames make it easy for criminals to break in. If you can’t close your windows properly due to warping or expansion, it is an invitation for someone to target you.

Damaged hinges make it simpler for burglars to leverage doors open.

The good news is that new windows and doors come with innovative locking technology to deter burglars and keep unwelcome visitors out.

At Colne Valley Windows, high-security locking comes as standard on our windows, with optional shoot bolts also available. Our doors have Yale lockmaster multi-point locking systems which are police-approved.

3. Think About Access

Keeping the front of your house visible should deter burglars as they could easily be seen from the road or by neighbours.

You can improve visibility by installing motion-detecting lights that will be an obvious deterrent to potential thieves. Crimestoppers UK recommends keeping front hedges to a maximum height of one metre to remove any cover for burglars.

Meanwhile, back garden hedges should be at least 1.8 metres tall to prevent burglars from climbing into your garden. Making access difficult should reduce the likelihood that your house will be chosen.

4. Don’t Advertise When You are Not at Home

When burglars choose who to target, they will prefer an empty house. Keep your home looking lived-in by installing timers on your indoor lights. Smart plugs can help you set them when you are away.

Your home will be more at risk when no cars are parked outside. You can always ask a neighbour to park one of their cars on your drive when you are on holiday.

5. Install a Burglar alarm

Modern alarm systems can be connected to cameras, Ring doorbells or part of a more comprehensive security system that connects to a security centre.

Whatever you choose will be a visible deterrent and reduce the chance of your home being chosen.

If all else fails, you can always get a dog. A dog of any size can prevent a burglary as large dogs pose a physical threat while small dogs tend to make lots of noise!

The post How to Secure Your House and Improve Your Home Security appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Sounds can be very invasive, with noise negatively impacting your health and well-being, leading to increased stress levels and poor sleep. Fortunately, double glazing has been shown to reduce noise pollution by up to 35 decibels.

What is a decibel?

Sound is a vibration that travels through molecules of air and solid objects until it reaches your ear. Sound vibrations look like waves hence the term ‘soundwave’ with different wavelengths.

Decibels (dB) are the measurement of sound intensity. A higher dB indicates more noise.

As it is a logarithmic scale, every increase of 10dB means a ten-fold increase in volume. For example, 20dB is ten times louder than a sound of 10dB, while 100 dB is a billion times louder than 10dB.

You can see that even small increases in sound could have a damaging effect.

What is considered too loud?

People can hear sounds within the range of 0 and 140 dB. The average household has a noise level of 40dB.

• Sounds less than 30dB are considered to be very quiet.
• Noise levels over 85dB are considered to be potentially harmful.

Here are some examples of common sounds:

• Conversation: Between 40dB and 60dB
• Cars: 70dB
• Emergency Vehicle sirens: 110-120dB
• Chainsaw: 140 dB

How can double glazing help reduce noise levels?

Your choice of windows is essential when considering noise reduction. The glass panes have large surfaces that can allow sound to leak into your home. Poorly fitted or older frames may also have gaps that will allow sound to invade.

Double glazing reduces noise by absorbing the sound vibrations in the gas between the two panes of glass. Good quality double glazing will reduce sound levels by between 20% and 65%, which means that double glazing can potentially reduce noise levels by 35 dB.

All new double glazing comes with a rating that indicates the level of sound insulation provided. You will see this marked as RW (Weighted Sound Reduction Index). The higher the RW, the better sound insulation you will get.

Choosing uPVC frames helps with noise insulation, thanks to their excellent sealing properties. Getting your windows professionally installed will ensure that the fit is snug and there are no gaps to let in unwanted noise.

Is triple glazing better at reducing noise?

Triple glazing is brilliantly energy efficient, but double glazing is often better for reducing sound, as triple glazing can magnify noise due to vibrations on the middle pane.

What noises can double glazing help with?

All homes benefit from some sound insulation, but it is crucial to consider it if you live in a very noisy environment.

• Traffic noise
• Living near an airport
• Homes near a train line

• Properties on a busy high street

What double glazing is best for noise insulation?

At Colne Valley Windows, we use double glazing manufactured by REHAU to help reduce noise levels in your home by as much as a half.

If you want to know more about reducing noise pollution in your home, call us at 01787 827382 or email us at info@colnevalleywindows.co.uk for expert advice.

The post Can double glazing reduce noise? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Insulation

Insulating your home is a hot environmental topic at the moment. The good news is the Energy Saving Trust has found that an average British home could save up to £200 by installing sufficient loft and cavity wall insulation. It’s a good idea to check your loft for draughts and add insulation if needed. You can also insulate your hot water tank with thicker insulation to reduce energy costs.

Check Your Boiler

You should always get your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is working efficiently. Once it is over 10 years old it will be more economical to switch to a new one. You should find that there will be a big saving to your energy bills over time as new boilers are much more energy efficient. You may want to consider switching to a low carbon system such as a heat pump. The Energy Savings Trust estimates that a detached home can save up to £300 a year by installing a new boiler.

Better Glazing

Modern homes usually have double glazing, but triple glazing offers up to 40 per cent more energy efficiency. The three panes trap air in between which has an insulating effect on your home. Upgrading your windows can offer real long term energy savings.

Make the most of Sunlight

There is nothing quite like a bright winter’s day to make you feel better, but did you know that the sun will also provide lots of heat through your windows. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to make the most of any sunlight and close them at night. Thermal blinds and curtains will also help to retain the heat.

Banish Draughts

Draughts will make you feel chilly and allow heat to escape. Keep doors closed inside to keep the room you are using warm. If you can feel a draught under a door, use a draught excluder to stop it. Draughty doors and windows may need replacing.

Dial Down

Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can save you 10 per cent on your heating bill. It is worth checking what temperature you have set and trying a lower one to see how it makes your home feel. The recommended room temperature from Public Health England is 18 degrees.

Make the Most of Radiators

Radiators that are hidden behind furniture or clothes will not be efficient. Don’t forget to bleed your radiators to ensure they are pumping out heat evenly and keep them free from blockages. You can put a foil sheet behind to reflect more heat into the room.

Check your Flues

Wood burning stoves look great when then they are in use but what about when they aren’t? Always make sure that the flue and glass doors are closed when no wood is burning to prevent heat from escaping from your room.  If you have an unused chimney, you could consider a chimney balloon that will inflate to prevent heat from escaping or stop draughts.

Mind the Gap

The small gaps in floorboards, below skirting boards and around cat flaps are easy ways for draughts to get in and for heat to escape. Plugging small gaps with sealant will easily solve the issue. You can wrap a cat flap with a blanket to stop heat from escaping.

Flooring

Tiled and wooden flooring can feel cool and make you turn up the thermostat. Putting down cosy rugs will conserve heat and make you feel warmer. Remember to wear socks or slippers to keep your feet warm.

The post How to Keep Your Home Warm and Save Money on Your Energy Bills appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

The Importance of Conservatory Blinds

Choosing the right window blinds is important to ensure that you are conserving heat in the winter and keeping the room as cool as possible in the hot summer months.

You will want to ensure that the blinds also provide the look you desire and pick a style that suits your décor. As conservatories contain so much glass you will need to consider the cost of installing the right blinds and take your time comparing the different options.

Types of Conservatory Blinds

You can choose different styles of blinds. Each type will bring a different look to the conservatory and have different benefits. Let’s take a look:

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are usually made from fabric with different amounts of transparency. They come in a wide range of colours and can be used to create clean straight lines. They suit a variety of styles from contemporary to traditional and they can be easily tilted to control the amount of light let into the room.

They are an economical choice for large windows, but they do need regular cleaning as they are prone to collecting dust.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are the most economical choice for window shades. They can be rolled up or down depending on the amount of light or privacy required. You will find a wide variety of fabric choices to easily match the style you want to create.

They are easy to wipe clean and offer an efficient way of styling conservatory windows. There are blackout and thermal options to improve their efficiency.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blinds can be made from wood, aluminium or PVC.  It’s important to choose a material that will withstand the higher temperatures experienced in the summer months. For this reason, aluminium is the recommended choice for conservatories. They do come in a range of finishes including wood effect styling.

These blinds are very functional and have a wide range of ways to control them through height and tilt. This versatility is ideal for changing the amount of light and visibility. They are a bit fiddlier to clean than a roller blind but still wipeable.

Roman Blinds

Roman Blinds bring warmth and luxury to a room. Made from fabric they can be chosen to complement the room design and add a cosy feature that dresses the windows. Easy to operate they dress the top of the window but can be lowered to block out light and heat.

They can have thermal or blackout linings to increase their efficiency and are a good choice as an alternative to curtains.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds can be made to fit awkward conservatory windows and even roof panels. They are designed to fit each window exactly and can be operated with cords or even by an electric motor and remote control. Some come with an additional thermal coating to maximise their ability to reflect heat or keep heat inside. The honeycomb layering is particularly thermally efficient.

They are a good choice for south-facing conservatories that heat up in the summer or to ensure the conservatory is a room that can be used all through the year.

The post Why do you need conservatory blinds? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Signs that your uPVC Doors and Windows need Attention

It can be hard for homeowners to decide when the time has come to either repair or replace uPVC doors and windows. Often small niggles can be repaired, avoiding the expense of replacement. However, it is important to realise that windows that need attention may not be insulating or protecting your home sufficiently. You will know that you need to give some attention to your uPVC doors and windows if you notice the following changes:

• Fading furniture or curtains: This could mean that the glass in your door and windows isn’t as efficient at protecting your interior from the UV rays from the sun. They will either need replacing or possibly could benefit from a low-E coating to reduce the amount of ultraviolet light that gets through. It can be a costly mistake to ignore this problem as you will inevitably need to replace damaged furniture, upholstery or flooring.

• Rising Energy Bills: Older uPVC doors and windows have reduced thermal insulation. Suddenly they are not keeping your home warm in the winter like they used to, and you are turning up the heating to compensate. Over the years, natural wear and tear can often lead to cracks between the frame and glass. As the seal deteriorates you will notice draughts and heat escaping. Since the main advantage of uPVC fittings is the insulation it makes sense to replace them when you no longer get this benefit.

• Condensation: Condensation on the inside of your windowpane or door suggests that they are beginning to fail. Condensation between the panes is a sign that the seal has blown, and the windows will need attention to perform properly. It can be possible for professionals to replace the glass and seal to extend the life of a uPVC door or window but older models will be better if replaced.

• Sticky Doors and Windows: A common complaint is that windows and doors become difficult to open or close over time. This is often caused by the entire frame dropping and can make life difficult as well as being a possible safety issue. The last thing you want to experience in the event of needing to escape from a fire is not being able to open a door or window. Sometimes a professional fitter can refit the window or door to correct the problem but often it is a sign that you need new models.

• Security and Safety: Older uPVC doors and windows will not have been fitted with the latest safety points such as reinforced frames made from steel, crowbar protection and triple glazed panels. Replacing your doors and windows can really improve your home security and give you peace of mind about being protected from break-ins.

The post Replace or Repair UVPC Doors and Windows appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that someone was at home in nearly two thirds (64%) of burglary incidents, and more than a third (37%) of residents were aware of the burglary incident taking place.

In fact, 76% of domestic burglars in England and Wales accessed the property through a door, while one in five residential burglaries were accessed through windows. Not only is it imperative that your doors and windows are always locked, you should also implement the following tips to make them as secure as possible.

1. Make sure your door has lock snapping prevention

Most uPVC and composite doors operate with a multipoint locking system which utilises a lock cylinder. However, it could be susceptible to lock snapping, which is when you should:

• Upgrade your cylinder to an SS312 diamond approved lock, this being the highest standard achievable for lock cylinders.
• Ensure that it is at least a TS007 3 star approved cylinder, ideally kitemarked.

2. Fit a door chain on older, traditional doors

It is sometimes a bit harder to secure older, traditional doors that are made from materials like timber. Ideally they should be secured using a mortice lock and/or night latch that meets British Standard BS3621.

Failing that, you can further increase security by installing a door chain, which will prevent intruders from entering your home. They’re easy to fit, simple to use, secured by Design accreditation (aka police approved) and are tested to TS003 – the test specification for door chains.

3. Secure your windows with restrictors, grilles and bars or reinforced glass/security film

All the windows in your home – both upstairs and downstairs – should ideally be fitted with at least one appropriate key operated lock. This is often a requirement for home and contents insurance policies.

Additional security measures you can implement include:

• Window restrictors – These stop a window from being fully opened, thus preventing somebody from gaining entry.
• Window grilles and bars – Not the most aesthetically pleasing option, but very difficult to break into.
• Reinforced glass/security film – This will help defend against direct attacks on the glass.

4. Think carefully about the keys to your property

Do you know many copies of the keys to your home are in existence? There’s a chance that previous occupiers or tradespeople who needed access to the property never returned them.

So in order to increase security, here are a few ways to reduce the likelihood of rogue keys being in existence:

• Patented keys – These are keys that can’t be copied without proof of ownership.
• Restricted keys – These are keys that can’t be easily copied due to their unique design, and the restriction of the availability of key blanks to this design.
• Keyed alike – This means that the same key can operate every lock in your property.

The post 4 Top Tips to Secure Your Windows and Doors appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

That’s why it makes perfect sense to take a proactive approach to winter property maintenance. And don’t worry if you’re not an expert in DIY; there are a number of easy steps you can take to make sure your home is as ready as possible.

• Clean gutters and drains

It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but cleaning the gutters and drains of your home is an essential task. After all, debris such as leaves and mud can easily block drains. When this becomes too much, it could cause leaks into the roof and walls.

Therefore, make sure your gutters are clean and free from any possible build-up, as this will minimise the risk of water damage.

• Check and service your boiler

First and foremost, see whether the pilot light is on and re-ignite if necessary. Instructions on how to do this will be in the boiler manual, or on the side of the boiler itself.

It’s a good idea to get your boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer too. This will give you the ultimate peace of mind, as leaking carbon monoxide is a risk at any time of the year. Just remember that any maintenance or repairs to your boiler should be carried out by a qualified and licensed professional.

• Look into better insulation

Did you know you could save at least £145 per year on your energy bills by having insulation installed? That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Around a quarter of heat in your house is lost through the roof, so insulating the loft is a good place to begin. Cavity wall insulation is also worth considering, especially if you’re eligible for a government grant or scheme that subsidies the installation cost.

• Look after your pipes

As the cold weather sets in, the water in your pipes may freeze causing them to burst. Not only could this lead to expensive damage, it may also mean you have to move out whilst the repairs are undertaken.

One option is to insulate your pipes, also known as lagging. Along with preventing the possibility of frozen or bust pipes, it can also reduce the loss of heating from your home.

• Consider upgrading windows and doors

Another job on your to-do list should be making sure that all windows and doors are properly shut, as you could have left one or two on the latch for some fresh air. While you’re at it, check the condition of your windows and doors as an upgrade could be due.

Damaged or broken windows can leave any home feel draughty and cold. By installing new double glazing, your home will feel a lot warmer and much more comfortable. What’s more, you’ll save money on your utility bills.

The post 5 ways to prepare your home for winter appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

The Green Homes Grant will provide homeowners with vouchers to help pay for eco-friendly improvements such as loft and wall insulation or new windows and doors featuring double or triple glazing.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is putting aside £2 billion for the initiative, which will launch in September 2020.

How will the Green Homes Grant work?

The Green Homes Grant will provide homeowners and landlords with vouchers worth up to a maximum of £10,000 to cover the cost of energy efficient improvements.

Most who enter into the scheme will receive up to £5,000. However, low-income homeowners and landlords could receive up to £10,000. It all depends on which category you fall into.

The idea behind the Green Homes Grant is to promote energy efficiency across England while boosting the economy by creating jobs and keeping businesses busy.

Who is eligible for the Green Homes Grant vouchers?

Although few details of the scheme have been released, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis said:

“I’ve been told there won’t be any qualifying income on getting the main vouchers, so every homeowner and landlord is likely to be eligible. However, whether every home will qualify is still up in the air.

“My totally unsubstantiated guess is that it is likely there will be some form of pre-qualification assessment here. It may also be that they dictate what your home needs. For example, for those wanting double-glazing, you may be told that it needs to be part of a package with floor insulation.”

The Treasury has said it hopes the scheme could pay for energy efficient improvements in over 600,000 homes across the country. However, the scheme applies to England only, meaning those in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland are ineligible.

Which home improvements are covered by the Green Homes Grant?

The Treasury revealed the vouchers could pay for “green improvements such as loft, wall and floor insulation”, while Business Secretary Alok Sharma indicated that double-glazing would also be included.

Even though the Government hasn’t released a complete list yet, it looks as though the scheme should cover:

• Loft insulation
• Wall insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Double and triple glazing
• Eco-friendly boilers, heat pumps, low-energy lighting and energy-efficient doors

The scheme will apparently involve a “whole house approach”, whereby a retrofit coordinator will come to your home and determine what improvements will provide the best value for money.

How and when can I apply for the Green Homes Grant?

The Green Homes Grant will be launched at some point in September. So, homeowners and landlords will have to wait until then to apply online.

Colne Valley Windows will be keeping a close eye on the scheme’s details as and when they are announced. In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions about energy efficient home improvements such as new windows and doors.

The post Get up to £10,000 for new windows and doors with the Green Homes Grant appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

The reason for this growth? The replacement of ageing infrastructure across both the residential and commercial sector, as older doors and windows made from traditional materials fail to stand the test of time.

But what material should you choose for replacement doors and windows? Many households across the UK are putting their faith in uPVC. Here’s why…

Energy efficiency

uPVC windows and doors offer unrivalled energy efficiency when compared to alternative options. Their insulating properties mean that your home or office will work to retain heat in the winter, and cool air in the summer. Along with saving you money on your energy bills, uPVC windows and doors will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Extremely durable

When it comes to durability, nothing comes close to uPVC, which will remain strong and sturdy for decades. Plastic also has the advantage in terms of rusting, swelling and warping; unlike metal or wood, uPVC will retain its shape and structure for many years to come.

Excellent security

The security of a property or home is paramount with any window or door replacement. Thankfully, uPVC will exceed your expectations thanks to its ultra-lightweight yet sturdy form, which is often used in conjunction with various locking combinations. Also, double- or even triple-glazed glass will prevent intruders from breaking in.

Less noise

After a busy day at work, a peaceful environment will help you relax and unwind, which is made much easier with uPVC windows and doors. Even if you live close to a busy road, your home will remain remarkably quiet with windows and doors made from uPVC.

Reduced condensation

Due to the superior insulating properties of uPVC, your windows and doors will remain at a warmer temperature. This is good news for your home, as it will prevent water vapour from settling on your windows and doors, which could cause other household problems such as damp.

Nicer aesthetic

You’ll be hard pushed to find a style of uPVC window or door that doesn’t suit your home. In fact, with their popularity continuing to grow, there’s now a huge range of shapes, sizes and colours available. It’s also worth noting that uPVC frames can now be finished with wood grain effects, which makes them perfect for traditional properties.

Fire retardant

In order to prevent the spread of fire, modern window and door frames must be made from fire-rated materials. Thankfully, uPVC is a material that adheres to this safety protocol, meaning it will keep the primary route out of your home open for 30 minutes in the event of a fire.

To discuss the possibility of replacement uPVC doors and windows, get in touch with us today.

The post Why Should You Choose uPVC For Replacement Doors And Windows? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.