Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and prevents cold air from venting out, saving you money on energy bills. It also helps prevent fading of soft furnishings, paintings and wood.
Sometimes it is necessary to repair of a window is required. Fortunately, double glazing windows are fairly simple to fix by skilled window experts.
Cracked Panes
It's not just a visual affront cracks in glass, but they can also add to your energy costs by reducing the insulation properties of your windows. It can also be a safety risk and allow moisture and condensation to get into. Even tiny cracks, if not addressed, can continue to grow. This is why it's important to repair any double-glazing windows that are cracked or broken panes as soon as you are able to notice the cracks.
Double-paned windows are designed to provide greater insulation against temperatures and cold as compared to standard windows. They encase a layer of gas between the two panes to further keep leaks and draughts out, but if they become damaged or the seals break, these benefits will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows remain relatively easy to fix.
The first thing you should do if your window is cracked is clean it thoroughly. If your window was recently exposed to strong winds, it might have been hit by pebbles or hailstones which caused it to break. These can be removed with some water.
The next step is to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is only one or two centimetres long, a stripe of clear tape could be used to stop it from becoming worse. For larger cracks, use an adhesive sold in hardware stores for fixing glass. Follow the directions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Another alternative is to fill the gap with a putty specifically designed for glass. Some are sold as kits with a tool to apply the glue. Others can be made into ropes and then pressed into the crack. Some of these kits can also be used to fill gaps in glass however you'll need to take care to avoid filling too full and causing further damage.
If you have a crack that extends beyond the frame, or if it's an opening in the glass that is insulated, it's time to call in an expert. This type of damage requires more complicated repairs and could be a requirement for replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes which are beginning to get cloudy The good news is that they can be repaired. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes and can be solved by getting rid of the affected pane using a dehumidifier to remove any moisture remaining and then reinstalling the window with a new seal. upvc window repairs is fast, inexpensive and effective.
Although you might be tempted to do an DIY repair on your own it is a job better left to a trained professional. In attempting to defog double-pane windows without disassembling it, you are at risk of breaking the glass or even injuring yourself. You'll also require special tools and might not be able to make a solid seal if you drill holes in the window without having a proper understanding. You will end with a window that is unable to keep itself dry, and a hole that allows dust, debris and other contaminants to get into the window.
If you try to clean your double pane windows using a damp cloth may cause the problem to get worse. If moisture dries out on the window's surface you can clean it off using a damp rag. If, however, the moisture gets in between the panes, this cannot be removed. Foggy windows can be an indication of damaged seals. To fix them, call a professional.
You can stop your windows from becoming foggy by preventing them from fogging up in the first place. Ensure the haze on your windows isn't grease build-up or fingerprint smudges by cleaning them frequently. Use fans in rooms that generate a lot of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to keep air moving. Avoid using humidifiers and only use them when you need to.
Double-paned windows that appear to be foggy could be a sign of worn out or cracked seals that allow moisture to get in and cause condensation. In most instances, this is repaired by replacing the window pane, and then resealing it. However, assistance from a professional is still required to ensure the work is done properly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes of double-glazed windows can cause issue however it also indicates that they have lost the gas that is used to insulate them. This is because of a damaged seal that has to be replaced in order to keep your home dry and warm.
A leaking window isn't just an inconvenience; it can also damage the structure of your home, cause mold to develop and result in damp ceilings and walls. It is important to fix any leaks promptly after you spot them to stop the issue from becoming worse.
Contact the company that installed your windows to speak with a representative. They'll be able provide you with an idea of what could and can't be fixed and what it will cost to do so.
You can fix double-glazed windows which are older by using an online DIY guide. There are many guides that will guide you through the process of oiling hinges and handles, and tighten screws and mechanisms that aren't working correctly. This can often fix the issue and allow you to open and close your doors and windows again.
Caulking is a great way to fill in gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly helpful where the frames touch the double-glazed window. Be careful not to add too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch may allow moisture into your home. Talk to a professional before applying sealants to windows.
A window that leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as gaps in the flashing, and windows that aren't properly fitted. It's also important to have your windows inspected for clogged drainage holes, which could cause water leak into your home and pool under the sill. It's also important to make sure that your window sill is sloped correctly to allow water to run away from the frame and does not be buried beneath or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
Double and triple pane windows come with two or three separate glass panes that are separated by air space and bonded around the edges. This type of window is referred to as an Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU). IGU windows have insulative gases like argon and Krypton within the glass panes to decrease the transfer of heat or cool. If one or more of the seals on these windows fail the insulative gas has been let out. This negates the insulation benefits.
The seals around windows could be damaged by a variety of factors. This includes natural house settlement, which can lead to uneven pressure. Winds that are strong can cause damage to the seals, especially if there's lots of dust in the air. The windows' seals could be damaged by harsh chemicals, such as those used to strip paint or extreme temperatures.
When a window seal breaks it can result in several problems, such as unresolved draughts as well as increased energy consumption and misted or cloudy windows. The good news is that most of the time the time the window seal breaks, it is able to be repaired instead of replacing it.
In order to repair a damaged window seal, a professional will have to clean the glass and frame and then take out the IGU and then replace the damaged seal. This process isn't easy, so it's important that an expert is employed for this kind of window repair to ensure it's completed correctly and on time.
If your windows begin to appear foggy or you notice unaccounted-for drafts, it could be time to fix double glazing. You can consult an expert in your area to determine if your current windows can be repaired or if you have to replace them with comparable windows to improve your home's energy efficiency.