FAQs - Wakefield & Sons and Daughter! Glass, Inc.

Wakefield & Sons and Daughter! Glass, Inc. (530)894-0344

How can I get rid of the condensation that forms on my window panes?
Can scratched glass be repaired?
What is the best method for removing residue and other materials from glass?
Your windows let in too much cool air in winter and warm air in summer.
Your windows look ugly to you.
Your windows won't open at all.
Your double-hung window won't stay open.
Your windows don't open or close easily.
Your windows are difficult to clean.
Your windows are falling apart or rotting.
Your windows are inconsistent with the style of your home.

How can I get rid of the condensation that forms on my window panes?
The answer varies, depending upon whether the condensation is on the Exterior Pane, the Interior Pane or Between the Panes.

EXTERIOR PANE: Condensation on the outside of your windows or patio doors may occur during spring and in the fall, usually when cool nights follow a warm day. It is a result of moisture in the air exceeding certain limits and the temperature of the glass falling below the dew point in the air. Condensation on the exterior glass panes is a natural phenomenon. This condensation will evaporate once the day warms.

INTERIOR PANE:
On the edges or entire pane: Condensation on the inside of your windows is a result of too much moisture in the air of your home. This condition is common in new homes, where it may take months for the moisture from paint and fresh building materials to dissipate. This condition is also common in winter. Humidity levels in winter months should no exceed 30-35%.
To maintain these levels in your home, you may want to:

Oval in center: An oval condensation ring on the interior glass surface is an indicator that interior and exterior panes of glass have collapsed toward each other. You need to repair or replace the window sash or door panel.

BETWEEN THE PANES: When the seals along the outer perimeter of glass fail and allow moisture to penetrate the space between panes of insulated glass, your window or door will appear cloudy or fogged. Please check and make sure the glass does not have chemicals or pollutants on the outside surface. Once you confirm that the condensation is between the panes, you will need to replace the window sash or door panel.
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Can scratched glass be repaired?
Typically, scratches in glass are the result of debris during construction or dirt on the glass. If care is not taken to lightly flush and remove the debris it could etch the glass surface resulting in a scratch. As a guideline, if the scratch is deep enough to catch the edge of a fingernail, it's too deep to remove.
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What is the best method for removing residue and other materials from glass?
There are a few procedures for cleaning stubborn materials from glass.
IMPORTANT: Do not clean glass while it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Cleaning with soap and mineral spirits:

Apply mild soap, mild detergent, LEPTYNE® solvent, mineral spirits or naphtha solvents to glass either by spraying or using a clean, grit-free cloth or sponge saturated with cleaning solution.
CAUTION: When using solvents, do not use too much solvent. Damage to the glazing or insulating unit seals can occur.
After cleaning the glass with solvents or mineral spirits, immediately clean the frame with soap and water to prevent staining.
Follow solvent manufacturer's directions on label for toxicity, handling and flammability warnings.

Wipe the cleaning solutions on the glass in a circular motion, applying light to moderate pressure. Approximately three to five passes of the affected area may be required to remove the residue.

Rinse the glass surface immediately with generous amounts of clean water, removing the cleaning solution from the glass surface.

Using a squeegee or clean, lint-free dry cloth, remove water from the glass surface.

If glass residue is still evident, repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Cleaning with toothpaste

Use a damp cloth and toothpaste for glue, pitch, and other less harsh contaminates.

Apply toothpaste to damp cloth and buff circular until clean

Cleaning with polishing compounds:
For harsher contaminants and scratches, there are polishing compounds on the market such as cerium oxide, which works well for reducing fine scratches and scuffmarks. Follow directions carefully and heed all product warnings.
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Your windows let in too much cool air in winter and warm air in summer.
Old, worn-out windows are often leaky, which can result in high energy bills during peak heating and cooling months. The glass may be loose (in which case it should be re-glazed) or the seal between the sash and frame may have weakened. The cost of replacing failing windows is often dwarfed by overall household energy costs, but we recommend replacing old single-pane windows with modern windows that feature dual-pane Low-E glass for a substantial energy savings. If your windows are in decent shape but still leak, consider applying new weather stripping. It's easy to install and available at most building supply stores.
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Your windows look ugly to you.
"Ugly" is a matter of taste, but let's address three obvious causes:

Does the exterior color of the windows match the rest of the home? If not, a simple repaint can solve the problem. If the windows are obscured on the home exterior by unattractive storm window frames, consider replacement windows with dual-pane Low-E glass instead.

Does the window style not match the home? Older homes usually feature double-hung windows. Gliders and casements offer a more contemporary approach. Consult an expert to see if you need a touch of architectural authenticity in your home.

Does the window material seem artificial or cheap? If you don't like the look of thick vinyl frames, replace them with natural wood that can be painted or stained to match your interior.
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Your windows won't open at all.
In some cases, a window may fail to operate simply because of broken hardware. Replace the hardware and the problem is solved, right? Some situations aren't so easy. Your window, for example, may be painted shut -- and setting it free can be a painstaking process. By carefully working a putty knife around the perimeter of the sash and breaking the paint seal between sash and frame, you can often undo the damage. For some extra leverage, try a small pry bar. In extreme cases the interior trim may have to be removed. Be advised: windows that are painted shut are often older and of poor quality. Replacement is the best bet.

Operational trouble can also stem from a warped frame and sash. Warped windows are usually caused by house settling, which skews the rough opening where the window sits. In this case, the entire window must be removed and the opening reframed and squared. After that, the most common course of action is to insert a brand new window.
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Your double-hung window won't stay open.
If it's an older window, there's most likely a problem with the connection to the sash weights. Older double-hung window sashes are counterbalanced with heavy weights connected to the sash on rope. As the windows age, the rope dries out and becomes brittle, eventually breaking. If you decide to fix the problem yourself, you can remove the interior trim to expose the fallen weight, replace the rope and reinstall the trim. Newer double-hung windows often feature in-sash balancers. If these break, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for balancer replacement.
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Your windows don't open or close easily.
For casement windows, the solution may be as easy as cleaning and lubricating the operating hardware with a light oil or dry silicone spray. Avoid lubricants or harsh abrasive cleaners -- these will break down or collect dirt and grime. Gliding window tracks also need periodic cleanings to maintain easy sash operation. Otherwise, you may be looking at a warped frame and sash caused by house settling, which can skew the rough opening the window sits in. Here, we recommend removing the entire window and reframing and squaring the opening. Then simply insert a new window.
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Your windows are difficult to clean.
Some homes must weather tough environmental conditions by virtue of their locations -- such as areas of heavy industry, or along the coast. Airborne particles abound in these environments, and they stick to windows. That means frequent washing. Thankfully, some window products are available to help ease the chore. Many double-hung windows now feature tilt-in sash designs. This means the exterior glass can be cleaned from the inside -- just tilt the sash inward. If grilles cause cleaning headaches for you, consider ordering windows with grilles built-in between the glass. It'll be easier to wipe the windows clean.
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Your windows are falling apart or rotting.
If a window is failing or on the verge of failure -- leaking, sticking or falling apart -- it's time to replace it. Choose a style that matches the other windows in your home. In many cases, you can take the opportunity to do more than a simple replacement. Why not enhance your home's look from the inside and out, and improve your overall energy efficiency? Two windows side-by-side, called a combination, can be replaced with a single picture window that frames a stunning view or opens the room to more light. You can also enlarge an opening to add more windows. Be sure to choose a replacement that features the energy-efficiency of Low-E glass and the durability of rigid vinyl cladding.
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Your windows are inconsistent with the style of your home.
If your windows don't match your home's architectural style, go ahead and replace them with a more appropriate style. It can improve the look of the whole house. Older or more traditionally-designed homes usually feature double-hung windows, while contemporary architecture favors casement or gliding windows. Consult your architect for the best fit.
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