Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and stops cold air from getting out, saving you money on energy bills. It also reduces the fading of wood, soft furnishings and paintings.
Sometimes, however, it is necessary to repair a window. Luckily, double-glazed windows are relatively simple to fix by skilled window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eye-sore however, cracked glass can also increase your energy bills due to compromising the insulation properties of your windows. It can also pose a safety risk and allow condensation and moisture to get into. If not addressed, even small cracks will grow. This is why it's so crucial to repair double-glazing windows that are cracked or broken panes when you detect the cracks.
Double-paned Windows are designed to provide greater insulation against cold and heat as compared to conventional windows. They trap a layer of gas between the two panes in order to keep leaks and draughts out However, if they become damaged or the seals fail the benefits will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows are fairly easy to fix.
The first thing to do if your window is cracked is to clean it thoroughly. If your window has been subjected to high winds recently, it may have been hit with debris such as pebbles and hailstones that caused it to break. They can be cleaned with the help of water.
You will then need to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is only a few centimetres in length A strip of clear tape might be enough to keep it from getting any worse. For larger cracks, you can use an adhesive sold in hardware stores to fix 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 can be made into ropes to be put into the gap and some are sold as kits that come with a tool that applies the glue automatically. Some kits can be used to fill with glass chips but you'll have to be careful to not overfill and cause further damage.
If you notice cracks that extend over the frame, or if it's a crack in the glass that is insulated then it's time to consult an expert. This kind of damage is more complex and could require replacement of the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have dual pane windows that are beginning to get cloudy The good news is that they can be fixed. Foggy windows are often caused by condensation that develops between the glass panes. It can be resolved by removing the affected window and using a humidifier to remove the remaining moisture and then reinstalling it with the new seals. The process is quick, cheap and effective.
Although you might be tempted to tackle the DIY repair work by yourself but this is a job best left to a skilled professional. If you attempt to defog a double-pane window without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass, or injuring yourself. You may also need special equipment and may not be able to create a seal if drill through the window without knowing. You'll end with a window that isn't able to keep it dry, and a hole that lets dust, debris, and other contaminants into the window.
If you attempt to clean windows with double panes using a wet towel, the problem can worsen. The moisture that settles on the surface of windows can be removed by wiping them with a damp cloth, but when moisture seeps into the gaps between the panes, it isn't wiped away. Windows that appear to be soiled are a sign that the seals have broken, and in order to fix them, you'll have to call in a professional.
You can avoid your windows becoming foggy by preventing them from fogging up in the first place. Ensure the haze on your windows isn't caused by grease build-up or fingerprint smudges. Do this by cleaning them frequently. Make use of fans in rooms that create lots of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to keep air moving. Avoid using humidifiers in these areas, and use them only 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 cause condensation. In most instances, this can be corrected by replacing the window pane and resealing it. However, professional assistance is still required to ensure the work is done properly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes in 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 in order to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that leaks could cause more than an inconvenience. It could also cause damage to your home's structure, mold growth and damp walls and ceilings. It is important to fix any leaks promptly after you spot them to stop the issue from getting worse.
The best way to fix your leaky double-glazing is to contact the company who installed your windows and speak with the representative. You should be able get an idea of the cost and the best way to fix it.
Repairing double-glazed windows that are old with the help of an online DIY guide. There are numerous guides available online that teach you how to grease handles and hinges aswell as tighten screws or mechanisms that don't work correctly. This will often resolve the problem and allow you to open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around your double-glazed windows, especially where they meet the frames. Be careful not to overfill the gaps. A gap that is greater than 1/4 inch can let moisture into your home, which is why it's important to consult with a professional prior to applying any sealants to your windows.
There are upvc window repairs that can cause windows to leak, such as gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't fitted properly. It's also important to check your windows for drainage holes that are blocked, which could cause water to get into your home and collect under the sill. It's also important to make sure that the window sill is sloped appropriately, so that it allows 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 three or more glass panes separated by air space and sealed around the edges. This type of window is called an IGU, or insulated glazing unit (IGU). IGU windows also contain an insulative inert gas, such as argon and krypton between the panes to help reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. If one or more seals on these windows fail, the insulative gas has been released. This will eliminate the insulation benefit.
Window seals may break due to a variety of reasons such as natural house settling which can cause uneven pressure on the frames around the windows. High winds, especially when there's a lot of dust in the air, can also damage the seals. Window seals may also be damaged if they're exposed to harsh chemicals such as those used in paint stripping or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
If a seal is damaged, it can cause many issues, including draughts that are not understood, an increase in energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy window. It's good to know that in the majority of cases, a broken window seal can be repaired instead of being replaced.
To fix a broken seal, the professional will need to clean the glass's surface and the frame, take out the IGU, replace the faulty window seal and refit it back into the frame. This can be a complicated process, so it is crucial to work with an expert for this type of window repair.
So, if your windows are starting to appear foggy or you've noticed unexplained drafts then it might be time to consider double glazing repairs. You can talk to a local business to determine if the current windows can be repaired, or if you should replace them with like-for-like windows to upgrade your home's energy efficiency.