Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing helps keep heat inside your home and prevents cold air from getting out and causing you to pay more energy bills. It also helps to prevent the fading of soft furnishings, wood and paintings.
Sometimes, however repairs to windows are required. Luckily, double-glazed windows are relatively easy to fix by skilled window specialists.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just an eyesore; it can compromise the insulation value of your windows, increasing energy bills. It could also pose an enigma for safety and allow condensation and moisture to enter. If not addressed, even small cracks will only continue to increase. It is crucial to repair double glazing windows that have broken or cracked panes right away.
Double-paned Windows are designed to provide better insulation against temperatures and cold as compared to regular windows. They trap a layer of gas between the two panes to prevent draughts and leaks However, if they become damaged or the seals break, these benefits will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows remain fairly easy to fix.
If your window has cracked, the first step is to clean it thoroughly. If your window was exposed to strong winds recently, it could have been blasted with debris like pebbles and hailstones that caused it to break. A little water will help remove these.
The next step is to assess the crack's size and the location of the crack. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is just a few centimetres long then a piece of clear tape could suffice to prevent it from getting any worse. You can use an adhesive that is sold in hardware shops to fix larger cracks. Be sure to adhere to the directions carefully and allow the glue to completely dry.
Filling the crack with putty created for glass is another option. There are kits available that include a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits can be used to fill with glass chips however you'll be careful to avoid filling too full and causing further damage.
It's time to speak with an expert if you've got cracks or a split that extends beyond the frame, or if glass that is insulated has been damaged. This kind of damage is more difficult and may 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 fixed. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes. This can be solved by removing the affected pane, using a dehumidifier to remove any moisture remaining and then re-inserting the window with new seals. This process is quick, cheap and effective.
Although you might be tempted to tackle an DIY repair on your own it is a job best left to a skilled professional. In attempting to defog double-pane windows without taking it apart, you're at risk of breaking the glass or even harming yourself. You may also need specialized equipment and be unable make a seal if you drill through the window without understanding. The result is windows that will struggle to keep its exterior dry, and the hole that you created will easily allow dust, debris and other contaminants to enter.
Attempting to clean your double pane windows with a damp cloth could make the problem worse. The moisture that settles on the surface of your windows can be removed by wiping it off with a damp cloth, however when moisture gets into the gaps between the panes, it isn't cleaned away. Windows that appear cloudy could be an indication of damaged seals. To fix them, call an expert.
You can avoid your windows getting foggy by making sure they don't get fogged in the first instance. Make sure that the haze on your windows doesn't result from grease accumulation or fingerprint smudges. You can do this by cleaning them frequently. Make use of fans in rooms that generate lots of steam, such as kitchens and bathrooms to ensure that the air is moving. Avoid using humidifiers, and only use them if you are required to.
Double-pane windows that are stained or smudgey are a sign that the seals between your window panes 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 may require professional help to ensure that the work is done correctly and to your 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 insulates them. This is due to a broken seal that has to be replaced in order to keep your home dry and warm.
A window that is leaking can cause more than just 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 as soon as you discover them to avoid the issue from getting worse.
Contact the company who installed your windows to speak to an agent. You should be able to get an idea of the price and what can be done.
If you have an older style of double-glazed windows, it may be easier to repair them using an online DIY guide. There are a variety of guides online that will show you how to lubricate handles and hinges as well as tighten screws or mechanisms that aren't functioning correctly. Most of the time, this will fix the problem and your doors or windows will be able to open and close.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around double-glazed windows. This is especially useful where the frames meet the double-glazed window. Be cautious not to use too much. A gap that is larger than 1/4 inch can let in moisture into your home. Talk to a professional before adding sealants to windows.
Many factors can cause a window to leak, including gaps in the flashing or windows that are not fitted properly. It is also essential to have your windows inspected for drainage holes that are blocked, which can cause water to leak into your home and then pool beneath the sill. It is essential to ensure that the window sill slopes appropriately so that water drains away from the frame and not on or under the top.
Broken Seals
Triple and double paned windows are now offered with three or two separate panes of glass that are separated by an air space, and then sealed around the edges. This kind of window has been referred to as an IGU, which stands for insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows also contain an inert gas that is insulative such as argon or krypton in between the panes, which helps reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. When one or more of the windows seals break, it means that the inert gas insulative has leaked, removing the insulation benefits.
Window seals may break due to a number of reasons that include natural settling of the house which can cause uneven pressure on the framing around the windows. 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 if they're exposed harsh chemicals such as those used in paint stripping or are exposed to extreme temperatures.
If a seal is damaged, it can cause many issues such as draughts that are not explained, increased energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy windows. The good news is that most times, when windows seals break, it is able to be repaired instead of replaced.
To fix a damaged window seal an expert will need to clean the frame and glass and then take out the IGU and replace the defective seal. This procedure can be a bit complicated and therefore it's essential that professionals are employed for this kind of window repair to ensure that it's done properly and promptly.
So, if your windows are starting to appear foggy or you've noticed strange drafts, then it's the time to make double glazing repairs. Contact an installation service in your area to determine if your current windows can be fixed, or is it time to consider replacement windows to provide your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.