Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing will keep your home warm and also prevent cold air from escaping. This can help you save money on energy costs. It also reduces fading to soft furnishings, paintings and wood.
Sometimes repairs of a window is necessary. Luckily, double-glazed windows are fairly simple to fix by professional window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just a visual affront however, cracked glass can also add to your energy bills by compromising the insulation properties of your windows. It can also be danger to your safety and allow condensation to enter and moisture. If unchecked, even tiny cracks will continue to grow. It is important to fix double glazing windows that have cracked or broken panes immediately.
Double-paned windows are made to offer better insulation from cold and heat than standard windows. Double-paned windows create layers between the two panes that stops draughts. But, if glass or seals become damaged then the benefits of double-paned windows will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows are fairly easy to fix.
The first thing to do if your window has broken is to thoroughly clean it. If your window was subjected to severe winds recently, it could have been blasted with debris such as pebbles or hailstones which caused it to crack. These can be removed by a little water.
Next, you will need to determine the crack's size and the location of the crack. If the crack is a few centimetres in length then a piece of clear tape might suffice to prevent it from getting worse. For larger cracks, apply an adhesive that is sold in hardware stores to fix glass. Follow the directions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Filling the crack with putty created for glass is another possibility. Some can be rolled into ropes that can be put into the gap and others are sold in kits that come with tools that apply the glue automatically. Some kits can be used to fill with glass chips however you'll be careful to not overfill and cause further damage.
It's time to consult an expert if there is a crack or split that extends beyond the frame, or if the glass insulation is damaged. This kind of damage will require more complicated repairs and could be a requirement for replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
Repairing dual pane windows when they are fogging up. Foggy windows are often caused by condensation that develops between the glass panes. This can be addressed by removing the affected window and using a humidifier to eliminate the moisture, and then reinstalling the window using the new seals. This process is quick inexpensive and efficient.
You may be tempted by the idea of tackling an DIY task but it's best left to the professionals. When you attempt to remove fog from double-pane windows without taking it apart, you're at risk of breaking the glass or even injuring yourself. You will also need specialized tools and may be unable to create a good seal when you drill holes into the window without proper knowledge. You will end with a window that cannot keep itself dry, and a hole that allows dust, debris, and other pollutants to enter the window.
If residential window repairs attempt to clean double pane windows with a damp towel, the problem will 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, it will not be removed. Windows that appear to be soiled are a sign that the seals are damaged and to fix them, you'll need to call in a professional.
You can stop your windows from getting cloudy by preventing them from fogging up in the first place. Ensure the haze on your windows isn't grease build-up or fingerprint smudges. Do this by wiping them down frequently. Make use of fans in rooms that produce lots of steam, like bathrooms and kitchens to keep the air moving. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them when absolutely necessary.
Double-paned windows that are foggy could be a sign of cracked or worn seals, which allow moisture to get in and result in condensation. In most cases, this can be repaired by replacing the window pane and resealing it. However, assistance from a professional is still required to ensure that the job is done correctly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes of double-glazed windows is an issue However, it also indicates that they've lost gas that is used to insulate them. This is because of a damaged seal that has to be replaced to keep your home dry and warm.
A window that is leaking could cause more than an inconvenience. It can also cause damage to the structure of your home, mold growth and damp ceilings and walls. It's important to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them, to ensure that the issue doesn't get worse over time.
The best way to fix your leaking double glazing is to call the company who installed your windows and talk to the representative. They should be able to provide you with an idea of what can be fixed and what can't, and the cost to fix it.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it might be simpler to fix them using DIY guides online. There are plenty of guides that walk you through how to oil hinges and handles, as well as tighten screws and mechanisms that aren't working correctly. This will often resolve the problem and allow you to open and close your windows and doors again.
Caulking is a great way to seal gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly useful where the frames meet the double-glazed window. But be cautious not to add too much. A gap that is greater than 1/4 inch can allow moisture to enter your home and that's why it's crucial to speak with a professional before adding sealants to your windows.
A leaking window could be the result of a variety of things, including gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't properly fitted. It is also essential to have your windows inspected for clogged drainage holes, which could cause water get into your home and pool under the sill. It's also important to make sure that the window sill is sloped correctly, so that it allows water to be able to drain away from the frame and does not rest on top or under the surface of the windows.
Broken Seals
Double and triple paned windows are now available with three or two separate panes of glass separated by an air space and sealed around the edge. This kind of window has a name called an IGU, which stands for insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows are insulated with gases such as argon and Krypton between the glass panes in order to reduce heat transfer or cool transfer. If one or more of the seals on these windows break the gas that is insulative has been released. This negates the insulation benefits.
The seals around windows can be damaged by a variety. This includes natural home settlement, which can cause uneven pressure. Strong winds, particularly when there is a lot dust in the air, could also cause damage to the seals. The windows' seals can be damaged by harsh chemicals, such as those used to strip paint or extreme temperatures.
If a seal is damaged it can lead to various problems such as draughts that are not explained, increased energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy windows. The good news is that most of the time the time a window seal is broken it can be repaired rather than replacing it.
To repair a broken window seal an expert will need to clean the frame and glass and then remove the IGU and replace the defective seal. This process can be complicated and requires professionals are employed to carry out this type of window repair in order to ensure that it's completed properly and promptly.
If your windows begin to look foggy, or you observe unaccounted for drafts, it could be time to fix double glazing. You can work with a local business to determine if your existing windows can be repaired or if you have to replace them with similar windows to increase your home's energy efficiency.