Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and blocks cold air from escaping, saving you money on energy bills. It also reduces the fade of soft furnishings, wood and paintings.
Sometimes, however, a repair of a window is required. Luckily, double-glazed windows are relatively simple to fix by professional window experts.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just a visual affront; it can compromise your window's insulating value and increase energy costs. It could also pose an enigma for safety and allow moisture and condensation to enter. Even small cracks, if left unchecked, will continue to grow. This is why it's crucial to repair double glazing windows that are cracked or broken panes immediately you are able to notice them.
Double-paned Windows are made to provide better insulation against cold and heat compared to conventional windows. They trap a layer of gas between the two panes to keep leaks and draughts out, but if they become damaged or the seals fail these advantages will be lost. Fortunately, double-paned windows are still fairly easy to repair.
The first thing to do if your window is broken is to thoroughly clean it. If your window was recently subject to high winds, it may have been blasted by debris like pebbles and hailstones, which caused it to crack. A little water will help remove these.
Next, you will need to determine the crack's size and the location of the crack. If the crack is just a few centimetres wide, a strip of clear tape may suffice to stop it from getting worse. For larger cracks, you can make use of an adhesive available in hardware stores to fix glass. Follow the directions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Another alternative is to fill the crack with a type of putty designed for glass. There are kits available with a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled up into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits can also be helpful for filling in glass chips, but be careful not to fill them too full and cause further damage.
It's time for you to consult an expert if you've got cracks or a split that extends beyond the frame, or if the glass insulation is damaged. This kind of damage will require more complicated repairs and could require replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
You can repair dual pane windows when they are getting cloudy. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes and can be resolved by getting rid of the affected pane by using a dehumidifier to eliminate any remaining moisture and then re-inserting the window with a new seal. The process is simple affordable and cost-effective.
While you may be tempted to do the DIY repair job by yourself, this is a task better left to a trained professional. Glass can break or hurt yourself if attempt to remove the fog from double-pane windows without disassembling them. You will also need specialized tools and might not be able to achieve a proper seal by drilling holes in the window without knowing how. The result is a window that will struggle to keep its exterior dry, and the hole you have created will easily let dust and other particles to enter.
Attempting to clean your double pane windows using a wet cloth can actually make the problem worse. If the moisture is drying out on the window surface, you can wipe it off using a damp rag. However, if moisture seeps between the panes, this cannot be removed. Foggy windows are a sign that the seals are damaged and to fix them, you will need to get an expert.
You can stop your windows from getting foggy by making sure they don't get fogged in the first instance. Ensure the haze on your windows isn't caused by grease build-up or fingerprint smudges by wiping them down frequently. Fans can be utilized in rooms with a lot steam, like kitchens and bathrooms. They help circulate air. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these areas and only use them if necessary.
Foggy double-paned windows could be a sign of cracked or worn seals that allow moisture to get in and cause condensation. This can be fixed in the majority of cases by having the affected window pane replaced and resealed however, it will require professional help to make sure the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes in double-glazed windows can be an inconvenience however it also indicates that they have lost the gas that helps insulate them. This usually occurs because of a damaged seal, which requires replacement to keep your home dry and warm.
A leaking window isn't just an annoying nuisance; it can also damage the structure of your home, which can cause mold to grow and cause damp ceilings and walls. It is crucial to repair any leaks when you notice them, so that the issue doesn't get worse over time.
The best method to fix the leak in your double-glazing is to contact the company that installed your windows. talk to a representative. They'll be able give you an idea of what could be fixed and not be fixed, as well as the cost to fix the issue.
If you have an older style of double-glazed windows, it may be easier to fix them using a DIY guide online. There are numerous guides available online that teach you how to grease handles and hinges as well as tighten screws or mechanisms that don't work correctly. This is often able to fix the issue and let you open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking is a great way to close gaps around double-glazed windows. This is especially useful where the frames touch the double-glazed window. Be cautious not to use too much. A gap that is greater than 1/4 inch can allow moisture to enter your home and that's why it's crucial to consult with a professional prior to adding any sealants to your windows.
There are many things that can cause windows to leak, such as gaps in the flashing, or windows that aren't fitted properly. It is also essential to have your windows checked for clogged drainage holes, which could cause water to enter your home and pool under the sill. It is also essential to ensure that your window sill is sloped correctly to allow water to run away from the frame and doesn't rest on top or under the surface of the windows.
Broken Seals
Today's double and triple pane windows have two or three separate glass panes separated by air space and bonded around the edges. This type of window is referred to as an Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU). IGU windows are insulated with gases like argon and Krypton between the panes of glass to decrease heat or cool transfer. If one or more seals on these windows fail the gas that is insulative has been released. This eliminates the extra insulation benefits.
Window seals can break due to a variety of factors such as natural house settling that can create uneven pressure on the frame around the windows. Strong winds, particularly when there is a lot dust in the air, may also cause damage to seals. The windows' seals can be damaged by harsh chemicals, like those used to strip paint, or extreme temperatures.
When a seal fails it can lead to many issues like draughts not understood, an increase in energy consumption, and a misted or cloudy window. It is important to know that, in the majority of cases, a damaged window seal can be fixed instead of replacing it.
To repair a broken window seal an expert will need to clean the frame and glass and then remove the IGU and then replace the damaged seal. This procedure can be a bit complicated and requires an expert is employed for this type of window repair to ensure it's completed properly and in a timely manner.
So, if your windows are starting to appear foggy or you've noticed strange drafts, it could be time for some double glazing repairs. window maintenance with a local window installation business to determine if the existing windows can be fixed or when it's time to get like-for-like replacement windows that will provide your home with an energy efficient upgrade.