Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and stops cold air from escaping which can save you money on energy bills. It also prevents the fading of soft furniture, paintings and wood.
Sometimes, however, repairs to windows are required. Luckily, double-glazed windows are fairly simple to fix by professional window experts.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eye-sore, but cracked glass can also increase your energy costs by reducing the insulation properties of your windows. It could also pose an injury risk and allow condensation and moisture to enter. Even small cracks, if not addressed, can continue to grow. It is important to fix double glazing windows that have broken or cracked panes as soon as possible.
Double-paned windows are designed to provide better insulation from cold and heat compared to regular windows. Double-paned windows contain a layer between the two panes that stops drafts. However, if the seals or glass are damaged and the advantages of double-paned windows will be removed. Double-paned glass remains simple to repair.
If your window has cracked The first thing to do is clean it thoroughly. If your window has been subjected to severe winds recently, it might have been blasted with debris like pebbles and hailstones that caused it to break. They can be cleaned with the help of water.
The next step is to assess the crack's size and location. If the crack is only one or two centimetres long then a piece of clear tape can be used to prevent it from getting worse. You can use an adhesive available in hardware shops to fix larger cracks. Make sure you follow the directions with care and allow the glue to completely dry.
Filling the crack with putty created for glass is another possibility. There are kits available that include a tool used to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes, then pressed into the crack. Some of these kits are also helpful for filling in glass chips, but you must be careful not to overfill and cause further damage.
It's time for you to consult an expert if there is a crack or split that extends past the frame, or if insulated glass is affected. This kind of damage is more complicated and could require replacement of the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes that are beginning to get cloudy The good news is that they can be repaired. Foggy windows may be caused by condensation that develops between the glass panes. This can be fixed by removing the affected window using a humidifier, which will remove the remaining moisture and then reinstalling the window with the new seals. The process is quick, cheap and effective.
While you may be tempted to tackle a DIY repair work by yourself but this is a job best left to a qualified professional. If you attempt to defog a double-pane window without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass, or harming yourself. You'll also require special tools and may be unable to create a good seal when you drill holes in the window without proper knowledge. You'll end with a window that isn't able to keep itself dry, and also a hole that allows dust, debris, and other contaminants to get into the window.
Attempting to clean your double pane windows with a damp cloth may cause the problem to get worse. If moisture dries out on the window's surface you can wipe it away using a damp rag. However, if the water seeps into the panes, this cannot be removed. Windows that appear cloudy could be an indication of damaged seals. To repair them, contact an expert.
There are several ways you can prevent your windows from becoming foggy in the first place. Make sure that the haze on your windows isn't grease build-up or fingerprint smudges by regularly wiping them clean. Fans can be used in areas with plenty of steam, like bathrooms and kitchens. They can help circulate the air. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them when absolutely necessary.
Double-paned windows that are foggy could be an indication of worn out or cracked seals that allow moisture to get in and result in condensation. It can be resolved most of the time by having the affected window pane replaced and sealed but it may require assistance from a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation in the panes of double-glazed windows can be an issue however it also indicates that they have lost the gas that helps insulate them. This is due to a damaged seal that needs to be replaced in order to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that is leaking can be more than an inconvenience. It can also cause damage to your home's structure and mold growth, as well as damp walls and ceilings. You should fix any leaks immediately after you discover them to avoid the issue from getting worse.
Contact the company that installed your windows to speak to a representative. They will be able to provide you with an idea of what can be fixed and what can't, and what it will cost to fix the issue.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it could be easier to fix them with the help of a DIY guide online. There are many guides that walk you through how to oil handles and hinges, as well as tighten screws and mechanisms that aren't working correctly. This will often resolve the problem and allow you to 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. But be cautious not to overfill the gaps. A gap greater than 1/4 inch could allow moisture into your home. Consult with a professional before adding sealants to windows.
Many factors can cause windows to leak, including gaps in the flashing, or windows that aren't installed correctly. It's also important to have your windows inspected for clogged upvc repair near me drainage holes, which can cause water to enter your home and collect under the sill. It's crucial to ensure that your window sill slopes correctly to allow water to drain away from the frame, and not under or on top.
Broken Seals
Triple and double paned windows are now available with three or two separate panes of glass that are separated by an air space and a seal around the edge. This kind of window is called an insulated glazing unit (IGU). IGU windows have insulative gases such as argon and Krypton within the glass panes to limit heat or cool transfer. When one or more of these windows seals breaks it indicates that the inert gas insulative has escaped, removing the extra insulating benefit.
The seals around windows can be damaged due to a variety of causes. This includes natural house settlement, which can cause uneven pressure. Winds that are strong can cause damage to the seals especially if there's a lot of dust in the air. Window seals may also be damaged when they're exposed to harsh chemicals like those used in paint stripping or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
If a seal is damaged it can result in a variety of problems, including draughts that are not understood, an increase in energy consumption, and misted or cloudy window. It is important to know that in the majority of instances, a damaged window seal can be repaired instead of being replaced.
To fix a broken seal, the professional will need to clean the surface of the glass and the frame, then remove the IGU and replace the damaged window seal and refit it back in its the frame. This process can be complicated and therefore it's essential that professionals are employed to carry out this type of window repair to ensure it's carried out properly and in a timely manner.
If your windows begin to look foggy, or you notice unaccounted-for drafts, it may be time to repair double glazing. You can work with a local company to determine if your current windows are repairable or if you should replace them with similar windows to upgrade your home's energy efficiency.