March 2022: Celebrating 10 years in business!
The company was set up by Martin O’ Brien on the 15th of March in 2012, and since then has gone from strength to strength. “When I started the company back in 2012, I had felt there was a gap in the market for maintenance, and that people weren’t aware that this could be an option for them. Now, 10 years on, as well as providing same services to customers, we also provide energy rating solutions such as the window seal and A Rated glass units, and also work for some of the larger companies in Waterford. I’m also delighted that during these 10 years, I’ve still managed to keep some of the prices of the items we supply, such as our window hinges, at the same price as when we started out”
Martin goes on to say “Of course we couldn’t have made it to this milestone without the support of all our customers, and for that we are very thankful. We hope to be able to continue providing these services for many more years.”
October 2018 :: Upgrading to Triple glazed
September 2018 :: Mooncoin Celtic AFC sponsorship
Pictured presenting shorts and socks for Mooncoin Celtic AFC youth team for the coming season is Martin O’Brien of Repair my Windows and Doors along with Dylan Harrington of the youth team and coaches Patrick Dobbyn and Ethan Ryan.
July 2018 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After
Palladio Composite Door:
Door Style: London
Glass Style: TG80
Colour: Red
Finishes: Black lever handles
June 2018 :: Replacing glass in patio door
June 2018 :: Replacing PVC Panel in Door
If you notice fading or damage to your PVC front door, you can replace the panel at a lower cost than replacing your complete door. You can also change the style of your new panel so you have the feel of a new door!
Door Panel Style: Sunbeam 1
Glass Style: Munich GL7
Colour: Red
Finishes: Silver chrome handles and letterbox
June 2018 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After
Palladio Composite Door:
Door Style: Palermo
Glass Style: Palermo TG182
Colour: Bog Oak
Finishes: Brass lever handles
May 2018 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After
Palladio Composite Door:
Door Style: Joyce
Colour: Bog Oak
Finishes: Chrome lever handles
May 2018 :: Easy Clean Hinges
Make life easier with these easy clean window hinges – simply slide the window frame into the middle of the window, allowing you to gain access to the outside glass. Save getting the ladder out for two storey buildings!
April 2018 :: French Doors Fitting, Before and After Pictures
French Doors
Colour: Rosewood
Finishes: Brass handles
January 2018 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After Pictures
Palladio Door Collection
Door Style: T&G Solid
Colour: Black
Finishes: Chrome handles and knocker with spy view
September 2017 :: Patio Doors, French Doors and Grey PVC Triple Glazed Windows Fitting, Before and After Pictures
July 2017 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After Pictures
The Door Type is Edinburgh, and the glass type is TG100, with chrome handles and letterbox
June 2017 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After Pictures
The Door Type is Edinburgh, and the glass type is TG100, with black handles and letterbox
May 2017 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After Pictures
April 2017 :: Composite Door Fitting, Before and After Pictures
March 2017 :: Benefits of Upgrading your Windows – contact us for a no fee quote
February 2017 :: Another Happy Customer! Before and After pictures.
New composite door type is the San Marco. Check out other available door finishes in our Brochure on the Doors page.
November 2016 :: Getting your home winter ready
After an unusually mild autumn, the cold weather is here. Now is the time to get your house ready for winter.
Here is a quick and inexpensive maintenance guide:
The heat is on:
Don’t be the 30th caller in line for heating repairs when the freezing period of the season arrives. Have your heating system inspected and serviced now if it needs it, so that it is clean, in good working condition and able to achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency.
It also means taking the time now to check your plumbing for cracks and potential leaky areas. It’s better to find those problems and correct them now, instead of waking up to a burst pipe over the festive season! Also, check that the insulation is in good condition in your attic, especially around the door where it can escape down into your home.
Check your rooftop:
Damaged, loose or missing roof tiles are a source for water problems during winter storms and after melting snow. Take the first step toward preventing these issues this winter by checking your roof for any damage that may have been caused throughout the year.
If need be, a handyman can usually repair at a lower cost than water getting into your attic and causing more serious damage.
Draughts:
On average, 10 to 25% of a home’s heat escapes through draughty windows and doors. Even a gap as slim as the width of a coin lets in enough cold air to lower your home’s energy efficiency. The changing temperatures — and normal wear and tear — can cause window and door seals to shrink or break apart. Now is the time to give them a quick check and repair as necessary. Going a step further, fix broken panes, make sure all your windows can open easily, and spot check to make sure your windows aren’t leaking air. If you live in an older home without airtight windows, this November is a great time to finally upgrade to modern, energy efficient models.
Tip:
If you put a lighter or match up beside the window or doors and the flame moves, then you know there is a draught getting in. For your doors, make sure there is no visible daylight around the doorframe from inside your home. You can seal up the draughts with silicone, or you can contact us at Repair my windows and doors and we can review the problem for you and give you a no obligation quote.
October 2016 :: We can improve your front/back door without the high costs! Speak to us about having your panels replaced!
Some of our customers are now upgrading their front door for a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole door. We replaced this panel within the existing frame for €600. The door had faded and was damaged by the sun. Call us today at 051 588008 for a quote for your front or back door.
Christmas is fast approaching. Now is the time to repair your windows and doors. Contact us today at 051 588008.
July 2016 :: Additional Security Accessories
Anyone watching Crimecall on Monday night would have hopefully benefited from their Crime Prevention section, where they covered ways to make your home more secure, both while you are home and when you are away on holidays.
All security products mentioned on Crimecall are available at Repair my Windows and Doors. For example, a Patio door Anti-lifting device can be supplied and fitted for as little as €40.00. Contact us for a no fee consultation on making your home more secure, 051 588008 or info@repairmywindowsanddoors.com
For those of you who missed it, or want a recap, this is the link to the main points that were covered on Crimecall;http://www.garda.ie/crimecall/default.aspx#18518 . There is also an Information Sheet aimed directly at Holiday Security; http://www.garda.ie/…/CP%20Info%20Sheet%20-%20PS4-130-%20Ho…
June 2016 :: Window Restrictor Special offer until 1st of July
It is that time of year again; summer; giving us the opportunity to leave windows open allowing fresh air into our homes. But, if you have young children, this can also raise safety concerns – the fear your child may try to open the window further, which could potentially lead to a fall.
Repair My Windows and Doors have the solution. We can fit restrictors to your windows, with spring loaded safety and a security catch that will make the maximum opening on your window 50mm, allowing the air flow to pass through, but keeping little inquisitive toddlers securely inside.
Testimonial:
Caroline Power, Ballycarnane Woods, Tramore, Co. Waterford, June 2016
“I recently had Martin from Repair my Windows and Doors in to fit all our upstairs windows with child restrictors. I have two young children, and with the warmer weather recently, we have our windows open all the time. Now that we have the restrictors fitted, it gives us great peace of mind. Martin was a gentleman, showed us how to remove the restriction and reapply if ever needed or once the children are older. There was also no call out charge which we found great. I would definitely recommend Repair my windows and Doors to family and friends.”
Repair my Windows and Doors are running an offer from now until close of business on 1st of July ; 3 child restrictors supplied and fitted in your home for €60.00. Contact us on 051 588008, through our quick contact form on the right of this page, or through info@repairmywindowsanddoors.com
June 2016 :: To Repair or Replace, that is the question.
This may be a question you are asking yourself if you have had your windows fitted for a number of years. You might have noticed that they don’t close as smoothly as they used to, the handles are loose, drafts are getting in, even condensation building up. The main disadvantage with window replacement is that it can be costly. In some cases there are some simple repairs that are available and that can save a lot of money, and can lengthen the lifetime of your windows.
How to Make the Final Decision
Some of the common factors that can be taken into account in order to make your final decision include:`
Rotting Wood – if rotting appears, it will be hard to stop. A new installation is normally better in this case.
Cloudy Glass – this normally appears with glass that is double-paned. Here it should be possible to just replace the glass and not the frame, so keeping costs lower.
Sagging Casements – in most situations you can repair this problem so replacing the windows is not normally necessary.
Broken Hardware – when original hardware is out-dated or broken, but with windows that are generally in good shape, repairs are normally a very good idea. This includes handles, hinges and replacing the seals that will lengthen the life of your windows and will be cost effective both in terms of energy efficiency and saving the cost of new installation.
If you are still unsure as to what is the better option for you, all you have to do is talk with a professional. Contact us at Repair my Windows and Doors. We have no call out charge, so we can carry out a review, and then discuss with you whether you would be better to repair or replace and can provide you with quotes for both.
May 2016 :: Windows of the Future
New technologies are producing increasingly energy efficient windows. Already on the market are “super-windows,” boasting triple layer designs, with two low-E coatings and spaces filled with mixtures of argon or krypton gases.
Full story at: Consumer Energy Center Posted: May 1, 2016
Example of liquid crystal glass. Once you flick a switch, the glass turns to privacy mode. Original image found at https://designsbybsb.com/2011/12/privacy-glass/
Depending on the mechanism that initiates the change in the window, these “switchable glazings” fall into four categories: electrochromic, liquid crystal, thermochromic, and photochromic.
Electrochromic Windows
Flip a switch and an electrochromic window can change from clear to fully darkened or any level of tint in-between.
The technology has been suggested for cars, where with a touch of a switch the driver can tint the mirror or sunroof. In buildings, the changeable windows allow for privacy, to cut down glare, and to ward off increases in solar heat.
The action of an electric field signals the change in the window’s optical and thermal properties. Once the field is reversed, the process is also reversed. The windows operate on a very low voltage — one to three volts — and only use energy to change their condition, not to maintain any particular state.
To make an electrochromic window, a thin, multi-layer assembly is sandwiched between traditional pieces of glass. The two outside layers of the assembly are transparent electronic conductors. Next is a counter-electrode layer and an electrochromic layer, with an ion conductor layer in-between. When a low voltage is applied across the conductors, moving ions from the counter-electrode to the electrochromic layer cause the assembly to change color. Reversing the voltage moves ions from the electrochromic layer back to the counter-electrode layer, restoring the device to its previous clear state. The glass may be programmed to absorb only part of the light spectrum, such as solar infrared.
Early research indicates that the technology can save substantial amounts of energy in buildings, and electrochromic glazings may eventually replace traditional solar control technology such as tints, reflective films and shading devices.
Liquid Crystal Windows
The first commercially available “smart window,” liquid crystal windows are used for privacy control. They do not provide energy savings.
In this window’s normal “off” condition, the glazing is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied, however, it turns slightly hazy clear. The switch between the two states is nearly instantaneous.
The technology works this way: two layers of film enclose a layer of tiny liquid crystals. This assembly is laminated between two pieces of heat-treated glass. Both faces of the film are covered with a transparent, electrically conductive metal coating. These conductive coatings are wired to a power supply.
When the power is off, the liquid crystals are randomly scattered. Light entering the glazing does not have a clear path out, and the window is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied between the two conductive coatings, the liquid crystals align neatly and you can see through the window.
Other than the diffusion of light, the optical properties of the two states are nearly identical — the window lets in nearly the same amount of light and solar heat whether it’s on or off. Because there is little change in performance properties and because it requires constant energy to maintain its clear state, this liquid crystal window provides no energy saving benefits.
Thermochromic Windows
As the prefix thermo- implies, heat causes thermochromic windows to alter their properties. In response to changes in the ambient temperature, clear thermochromic glazings becomes diffused.
Several thermochromic technologies are being explored, but gel-based coatings seem to be the most promising. “Cloud Gel, ” a product now on the market, is a thin plastic film that can be incorporated into almost any window assembly. The response temperatures of “Cloud Gel” can be adjusted depending on need and location.
In addition to automatically changing from clear to diffused in response to heat, the glazings also turn white and reflective, reducing the transmission of solar heat. That can reduce air conditioning costs significantly when it’s hot outside. Because you can no longer see through the window once it loses its transparency, this glazing is probably best suited for skylights rather than view windows.
Photochromic Windows
Still in the development stage, photochromic windows respond to changes in light, much like sunglasses that darken when you move from a dim light to a bright one.
While this type of technology may seem like a good idea, it has its drawbacks for saving energy. Photochromic windows work well to reduce glare from the sun, but they don’t control heat gain. That’s because the amount of light that strikes a window doesn’t necessarily correspond to the amount of solar heat it absorbs. Because the sun is lower in the sky during the winter months, for example, its rays may strike a window more intensely in the cold season than in the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky. In this case, a photochromic window would darken more in the winter than in the summer, although winter is the time when solar heat would be beneficial.
Another problem is that, while this technology works fine on small, eyeglass-sized pieces of glass, it has yet do be done successfully on a large-scale, commercial level for window-sized pieces.
Despite some problems, “smart windows” hold the promise of reducing energy demand and cutting air conditioning and heating loads in the future. They offer the next major step in windows that are increasingly sophisticated and energy efficient.
June 2015 :: Reminder – To child-proof your windows, doors and balconies this summer
Child-proof windows and balconies, warns BC Children’s Hospital – 6 falls in 6 days a sobering reminder about the dangers posed by open windows and balconies
Full story at: CBC News Posted: Jun 10, 2015 12:58 PM PTLast Updated: Jun 10, 2015 12:58 PM PT
BC Children’s Hospital is warning parents about the dangers open windows and balconies pose to children, especially during the recent hot dry weather.
The BCCH emergency department has reported treating six injured children who have fallen from windows and balconies over the past six days.
“It’s not even summer yet and we’re already seeing a spike in pediatric emergency department visits due to window and balcony falls,” said Lisa Widas, Trauma Program Manager at BC Children’s Hospital.
“If you look after young children or have kids visiting your home, window and door safety locks are your best friend,” said BCEHS Unit Chief Marilyn Oberg.Dr. Ash Singhal, pediatric neurosurgeon and medical director, says falls can be critical and often result in broken bones, face and head trauma. Brain injuries can potentially leave children with serious life long effects.And because children are innately curious and natural climbers, an open window can pose a greater threat than parents realize, said a release by the BCCH.Compounding the problem is bug screens, which can give a false sense of security even though they are not designed to prevent falls.
Safety tips to prevent falls from windows:
- Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.
- Move household items away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out. Toddlers may use anything as a stepping stool to get higher.
- Be aware that window screens will not prevent children from falling through – they keep bugs out, not children in.
- Install window guards on windows above ground level. These act as a gate in front of the window.
- Or, install child restrictors on your windows, so they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide. Children can fit through spaces as small as 12 centimetres wide. In either case, ensure there is a safe release option in case of a house fire.
- Don’t leave children unattended on balconies or decks. Move furniture or planters away from the edges as kids can climb up and over.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of your home.
Contact us if you are interested in having child restrictors fitted on windows in your home.
May 2015 :: Top Tips for Keeping your Home secure this summer:
With the good weather about to arrive (hopefully!), many of us will be leaving our windows and doors open to allow the good weather in and enjoy the fresh air. However, this is also a time when burglaries are at their highest, with your home easier to access through open windows and unlocked doors.
Even if you’re just popping out of the house for five minutes, hanging out the washing, or doing a spot of gardening, you should get into the habit of locking all doors and windows before you leave your home.
As well as this, there are a number of other things you can do to protect your belongings, and here are some of the most important.
Top 10 tips for securing your home this summer:
- According to statistics, most burglaries take place during the evening, so be wary of leaving windows or doors open on a warm night when you go to bed.
- If you have spent the day in the garden, remember to put tools, bikes and toys in a locked shed or garage when you’re finished, as expensive outdoor equipment can be easy targets for opportunistic thieves.
- Don’t leave valuable items in reach of an open window – such as car keys, wallets/purses or mobile phones. Also, if you have cat flaps installed in your front of back door, make sure to keep valuables at a distance.
- Don’t publicise your whereabouts on social media. This can be notifying people of an empty home.
- If you own a caravan or motorhome, make sure it is securely locked at night time. It might be worth investing in a battery operated alarm.
- If you have a PVCu or composite door, it is a good idea to upgrade the standard euro profile cylinder to an anti-snap cylinder. You can also go one step further by installing a ProSecure door handle: The ProSecure handle range combines visible security features with concealed reinforcement technology, providing dual protection against cylinder snapping and handle snapping. This handle removes the need for an anti-snap cylinder. These handles are available at Repair My Windows and Doors.
- When you are out of the house, it is a good idea to leave a radio on, or some sign of life in the house. If burglars think that someone is home, they may be less likely to attempt a break in.
- Secure any sliding doors: You can easily break into some older sliding doors by simply popping them off of their frame, even when locked. It’s harder to do that with newer ones, but you should still take extra precaution to secure them since they can be an inviting entry for burglars. You can fit a patio snap lock, which will put an anti-lift pin through the bottom of the frame, and prevents people from lifting the door. These extra security patio snap locks are available at Repair My Windows and Doors.
- Don’t leave a spare key out. Someone may see where this key is placed, or burglars can have a good idea of places you may think are inconspicuous.
- If you are going away on holidays, try to have family or neighbours collect your post if it is going to gather in a visible place. This is an obvious telltale sign that no one is home.