Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and blocks cold air from venting out and causing you to pay more energy bills. It also reduces fading to soft furnishings, paintings and wood.
Sometimes, however, it is necessary to repair a window. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively simple to fix by skilled window specialists.
Repair My Windows And Doors
Cracked glass isn't just an eyesore it can also compromise the insulation value of your windows and increase energy costs. It can also pose an enigma for safety and allow condensation and moisture to get into. If left unchecked even small cracks will grow. It is important to fix double glazing windows with 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. They encase a layer of gas between the two panes in order to stop leaks and draughts, but if they become damaged or the seals break the benefits will be lost. Fortunately, double-paned windows are still relatively easy to repair.
The first thing to do if your window is cracked is to clean it thoroughly. If your window was subject to high winds, it may have been hit by pebbles or hailstones which caused it to break. A bit of water can help wash these away.
The next step is to determine the crack's size and location. If the crack is a few centimetres long then a piece of clear tape could suffice to prevent it from worsening. You can use an adhesive available in hardware stores to fix larger cracks. Follow the instructions and allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Filling the crack with putty created for glass is a different option. Some kits are available that include a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes and then pressed into the crack. Some kits can be used to fill in chips in the glass, although you will need to take care to not overfill and cause further damage.
If you have cracks that extend over the frame, or if it's a crack in the insulated glass then it's time to call in an expert. This kind of damage requires more complex repairs and could require replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes that are beginning to become cloudy, the good news is they can be fixed. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes. The issue can be resolved by taking off the affected pane, by using a dehumidifier to eliminate any moisture that remains and then re-inserting the window with a new seal. This process is quick, cheap and effective.
Although you might be tempted to do a DIY repair job on your own, this is a task best left to a qualified professional. Glass can break or hurt yourself if try to clear double-pane windows without removing them. You'll also require special tools and could be unable to create a good seal when 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 gap that allows dust, debris and other pollutants to enter the window.
If you try to clean double-pane windows using a wet towel, the problem will get worse. If the moisture is drying out on the window surface, you can wipe it off using a damp rag. However, if the moisture seeps between the panes, this cannot be removed. Foggy windows are a sign that the seals are damaged and, to repair them, you will need to call in an expert.
You can prevent your windows becoming foggy by preventing them from fogging up 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 wiping them down frequently. Fans are a great option in rooms where there is lots of steam, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They help circulate air. Avoid using humidifiers and only utilize them if you are required to.
Foggy double-paned windows can be a sign of worn out or cracked seals, which allow moisture to get in and cause condensation. This can be fixed in most cases by having the window pane replaced and resealed 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've lost the gas that is used to insulate them. This is due to a damaged seal that needs to be replaced to keep your home dry and warm.
A window that isn't properly sealed isn't only an issue that is annoying, it can also damage the structure of your home, cause mold to grow, and eventually result in damp walls and ceilings. It is essential to fix any leaks immediately you notice them, so that the issue doesn't get worse over time.
Contact the company who installed your windows and speak with an agent. They will be able to provide you with an idea of what could and can't be fixed and the cost to do so.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it could be easier to repair them using DIY guides online. There are a lot of guides that will guide you through the process of oiling handles and hinges, as well as tighten mechanisms and screws that aren't functioning properly. This can often fix the issue and let you open or close your doors and windows again.
Caulking can be used to seal the gaps around your double-glazed windows, particularly where they join the frames. However, be careful not to overfill the gaps. A gap greater than 1/4 inch may let moisture into your home. Talk to a professional prior to adding sealants to windows.
A window that leaks can be caused by a variety of things, including gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't fitted correctly. It is also essential to have your windows checked for drainage holes that are blocked, which could cause water to enter your home and collect under the sill. It's crucial to ensure that your window sill slopes correctly so that water drains away from the frame, and not under or on top.
Broken Seals
Double and triple paned windows are available with three or two separate panes of glass that are separated by an air gap and sealed around the edge. This kind of window comes with the name of an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). IGU windows also feature an insulative inert gas such as argon or krypton between the panes to reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. If one or more of the seals on these windows break the insulative gas has been released. This eliminates the extra insulation benefit.
The seals around windows can be damaged by a variety of factors. This includes natural house settlement, which can cause uneven pressure. Winds that are strong can cause damage to seals, especially if there's a lot of dust in the air. Window seals can also be damaged if they're exposed to harsh chemicals such as the ones used in stripping paint or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
When a seal fails it can lead to many issues like draughts not clear, increased energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy window. The good news is that most times that the window seal breaks, it is able to be repaired instead of replacing it.
To repair a broken seal the expert will have to clean the surface of the glass and the frame, remove the IGU and replace the damaged window seal and then put it back in place. This is a complex procedure, which is why it is important to use an expert for this type of window repair.
If your windows begin to appear foggy or you've noticed strange drafts, then it's the time to make double glazing repairs. You can talk to a local company to determine if your existing windows are repairable or if you should replace them with comparable windows to upgrade your home's energy efficiency.