Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat in your home and stops cold air from getting out, saving you money on energy bills. It also prevents the fading of soft furniture, paintings, and wood.
Sometimes, however repairs to windows are required. Fortunately, double glazing windows are fairly simple to fix by professional window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eye-sore however, cracked glass can also add to your energy bills by compromising the insulation properties of your windows. It can also be a safety hazard and let in condensation and moisture. Even small cracks, if not addressed, can continue to increase in size. It is important to fix double glazing windows with cracked or broken panes immediately.
Double-paned Windows are designed to provide better insulation from temperatures and cold as compared to standard windows. Double-paned windows create an air gap between the two panes which stops draughts. However, if glass or seals are damaged and the advantages of double-paned windows will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows are relatively easy to repair.
If your window has cracked The first thing to do is to clean it thoroughly. If your window was recently subject to high winds, it may be blasted by pebbles or hailstones, which caused it to break. A splash of water can wash these away.
You'll then have to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is only a few centimetres wide A strip of clear tape might be enough to keep it from worsening. You can use an adhesive sold in hardware stores to repair larger cracks. Make sure you adhere to the directions carefully and allow the adhesive to completely dry.
Filling the gap with putty that is made for glass is another option. Some are sold as kits that include a tool used to apply the glue. Others can be made into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits are helpful for filling in glass chips, but be careful not to overfill and cause further damage.
If you've got cracks that extend beyond the frame or is an opening in the glass that is insulated then it's time to consult an expert. This kind of damage is more complicated and may require replacement of the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes which are beginning to become cloudy, the good news is they can be repaired. Foggy windows may be caused by condensation that forms between the glass panes. This can be fixed by removing the window affected, using a humidifier to get rid of the remaining moisture and then reinstalling it with the new seals. This process is quick cost-effective and efficient.
You might be enticed by the idea of tackling a DIY task, but it is best left to professionals. When you attempt to remove fog from double-pane windows without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass, or harming yourself. You may also need specialist equipment and will be unable to make a seal if you drill into the window without understanding. You will end up with a window which is unable to remain dry, and also a hole that allows dust, debris, and other contaminants to get into the window.
If you attempt to clean double-pane windows using a wet towel, the problem can worsen. If the water dries on the window surface, you can clean it off with a damp rag. If, however, the moisture seeps between the panes, it is unable to be removed. Foggy windows are a sign that the seals have broken and, to fix them, you will need to contact an expert.
There are many ways you can prevent your windows from becoming foggy in the first place. Clean your windows regularly to make sure that the haze isn't caused by grease or fingerprints. Make use of fans in rooms that generate large amounts of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to keep air moving. Avoid using humidifiers and only use them if you are required to.
Double-pane windows that are stained or smudgey are an indication that the seals between the windows have worn out or cracked open, which allows moisture to get in and result in condensation. This can be fixed most of the time by having the affected window pane repaired and sealed, but it will still require professional help to make sure the job is done properly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Seeing condensation in between panes of your double-glazed windows isn't just an inconvenience it also indicates that the gas that keeps them insulated has been lost. This is due to a damaged seal that must be replaced in order to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that leaks could cause more than an inconvenience. It can also cause damage to your home's structure as well as mold growth and damp walls and ceilings. Repair any leaks promptly after you notice them to prevent the issue from becoming worse.
The best method to fix the leak in your double glazing is to contact the company that installed your windows and talk to a representative. You should get an idea of the price and the best way to fix it.
You can fix double-glazed windows which are older with the help of an online DIY guide. There are plenty of guides that walk you through the process of oiling handles and hinges and also tightening screws and mechanisms that aren't working correctly. This is often able to fix the problem 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 when the frames are in contact with the double-glazed window. But be cautious not to add too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch could allow moisture into your home. Talk to a professional before adding sealants to windows.
Many things can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't installed properly. It is also essential to have your windows inspected for drainage holes that are blocked, which could cause water to leak into your home and collect under the sill. It is essential to ensure that your window sill slopes correctly so that water drains away from the frame, and not on or under the top.
Broken Seals
The latest triple and double pane windows feature three or two glass panes separated by air space, and then sealed around the edges. window maintenance services of window has been referred to as an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). IGU windows have insulative gases like argon or krypton in between the panes of glass to decrease heat or cool transfer. If one or more seals on these windows break the insulative gas has been leaking out. This eliminates the extra insulation benefit.
Window seals can fail due to a number of factors that include natural settling of the house that can create uneven pressure on the frame around the windows. High winds, especially when there's lots of dust in the air, can also cause damage to the seals. Window seals can also be damaged if they're exposed harsh chemicals such as the ones used in stripping paint or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
When a window seal breaks it can result in a number of problems, such as draughts that are not explained or increased energy consumption, as well as clouds or misty windows. The good news is that the majority of the time the time the window seal breaks, it can be repaired, not replacing it.
In order to repair a damaged window seal an expert will need to clean the frame and glass and then remove the IGU and replace the damaged seal. This can be a difficult process, so it is crucial to work with a professional for this type window repair.
So, if your windows begin to look foggy or you've noticed unexplained drafts, it could be time to consider double glazing repairs. Work with a local window installation company to determine if your current windows can be fixed, or whether it's time for like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.