Menifee’s Heat and the Window and Glass Troubles it Brings
Is there a fog forming between your window panes? You may find your rooms are warmer than they ought to be despite the AC being on. Then there is the glass in the house that seems to have a cloudiness to it or is warm under your hand come a sunny afternoon.
You will not be the only one with these concerns. Dove Glass & Mirror has put our experience to work for Menifee homeowners with heat-induced glass issues of one sort or another since 1989, and we are pleased to put some of what we know at your disposal. To discuss the particulars of your case, pick up the phone at (704)-396-5381.
The summer heat in Menifee is something else. It puts a strain on the glass in your home and in time you will see the effects in lost comfort and dollars. We have set out the usual culprits and their causes below.
Foggy Windows and Seal Failure
We run across seal failure in double-pane windows more often than not. The seals holding the panes are worn down by the daily onslaught of the sun. Moisture then makes its way in and you are left with a foggy, cloudy appearance that is impossible to put right with a cloth.
But this is not just a matter of looks. With the seal broken the window is no longer insulating as it should. Look for any of the following:
- Condensation or fog you cannot get to between the panes
- A hazy film that remains after you have put in the effort to clean it
- Droplets of water on a hot day
- An increase in your summer cooling bill
- Rooms that do not feel as cool as they once did
There is no trick to cleaning up a failed seal; the unit calls for some attention.
Thermal Stress Cracks
Heat makes glass expand, cooling makes it contract. In Menifee a window can be roasting in the afternoon and then put in shade and cool off in short order. That kind of back and forth engenders thermal stress which, over the course of time, results in cracks making their way in from the edge of the pane.
Do not mistake them for an impact crack. A thermal one will be more of a wavy line than a spider web. Either way a cracked pane is a weak spot in the window and heat will make its way in.
Frames that are Warped or Weathered
It is not only the glass that takes a hit. Vinyl and old wood frames in particular are hard put to it. Unrelenting heat will dry out and shrink wood or warp vinyl so the window is not sitting square in its opening anymore. Gaps are the result and with them comes a loss of cool air and an influx of the hot stuff. A warped frame also leaves the glass more prone to cracking.
Sun Damage and Fading
Some of the damage from heat is found on the inside of the house. Plain glass allows a good deal of sunlight through and in years past you may have seen it fade the color from your curtains, artwork, flooring or furniture. Should your couch or carpet be looking the worse for wear near a sunny expanse of glass, it is likely letting in too much UV and heat. There are newer types of glass that will abate that and keep the room cooler.
Mirrors and the Effects of Humidity
Mirrors are not exempt. Where you have a build up of moisture and heat, as in the bathroom, the mirror’s backing can go to pieces. You will see dark blotches or spots around the periphery, desilvering as it is known, and it has a habit of spreading.
A Way to Put Things Right
For the most part there is a simple answer to these problems. Be it replacing a foggy or cracked pane or putting in an upgrade on an older window to stand up to the Menifee climate, it is best to be on top of it before it becomes a drain on your energy costs.
We are licensed and insured at Dove Glass & Mirror and give a 100% guarantee on our work. The community here would tell you as much, as evidenced by the 5.0 stars we have been given in well over 100 Google reviews. We are happy to provide a free estimate so you can see what your glass requires at no expense.
Let us help you put an end to the trouble the heat has made of your windows, glass doors or mirrors and have your home as comfortable and clear as it should be. Our hours are 7 to 5 Monday to Saturday. Contact us at (704)-396-5381.
