Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat in your home and prevents cold air from venting out and causing you to pay more energy bills. It also reduces the fade of wood, soft furnishings and paintings.
Sometimes, however, a window repair is required. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively simple to repair by experienced window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eye-sore, but cracked glass can also add to your energy bills due to compromising the insulation properties of your windows. It can also pose an injury risk and allow condensation and moisture to get into. Even small cracks, not addressed, can continue to increase in size. This is why it's so important to fix any double-glazing windows that are cracked or broken panes as soon as you detect them.
Double-paned Windows are made to provide better insulation against cold and heat as compared to conventional windows. The double-paned windows trap a layer between the two panes that blocks drafts. But, if glass or seals are damaged, the benefits of the double-paned windows will be lost. Double-paned glass is easy to repair.
The first thing you should do if your window is cracked is clean it thoroughly. If your window has been subjected to high winds recently, it may have been blasted with debris such as pebbles or hailstones which caused it to break. A little water will help remove these.
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 may suffice to stop it from worsening. You can apply an adhesive that is sold in hardware stores to fix larger cracks. Follow the directions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Filling the crack with putty made for glass is a different option. Some can be rolled into ropes, which can then be pressed into the gap, and some are sold as kits that come with tools that apply the glue automatically. Some of these kits are also suitable for filling glass chips, but be cautious not to fill too much and cause further damage.
If you notice cracks that extend over the frame, or if it's a split in the glass insulated, 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 dual pane windows which are beginning to get cloudy The good news is that they can be repaired. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes and can be fixed by removing the affected pane, by using a dehumidifier to eliminate any moisture that remains and then reinstalling the window with a new seal. The process is fast cost-effective and efficient.
Although you might be tempted to attempt an DIY repair work by yourself it is a job best left to a skilled professional. When you attempt to remove fog from a double-pane window without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass or hurting yourself. You'll also require specialized tools and may be unable to create a good seal if you drill holes into the window without having a proper understanding. You'll end with a window that cannot keep itself dry, and a hole that lets dust, debris, and other pollutants to enter the window.
If you attempt to clean double-pane windows with a wet towel the problem can worsen. The moisture that settles on the outside of windows can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth, but when water seeps into the spaces between panes, it can't be wiped away. Windows that appear to be soiled are a sign that the seals are damaged, and in order to repair them, you will need to get an expert.
You can stop your windows from getting foggy by making sure they don't get fogged in the first instance. Clean your windows frequently to ensure that the fog isn't caused by grease or fingerprints. Make use of fans in rooms that produce lots of steam, such as kitchens and bathrooms to ensure that the air is moving. Avoid using humidifiers in these areas and only use them when absolutely necessary.
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 be able to enter and cause condensation. In the majority of cases, this can be repaired by replacing the window pane and resealing it. However, professional assistance is still needed to ensure that the work is done properly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation in the panes of double-glazed windows isn't just an inconvenience It also means that the gas that keeps them warm has been lost. This is because of a damaged seal that needs to be replaced in order to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that leaks can cause more than just an inconvenience. It can also cause damage to the structure of your home, mold growth and damp ceilings and walls. It is essential to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them, to ensure that the problem doesn't get worse over time.
The best method to fix your leaky double glazing is to contact the company that installed your windows. talk to the representative. They will be able to provide you with an idea of what can and can't be fixed and the cost to fix it.
If you have an older model of double-glazed windows, it may be simpler to fix them using a DIY guide online. There are plenty of guides that will guide you through the process of oiling handles and hinges, as well as tightening screws and mechanisms that aren't working properly. In most cases, this will solve the issue and your windows or doors will be able to open and close.
Caulking is a great way to fill in gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly helpful where the frames meet the double-glazed window. Be cautious not to apply too much. A gap that is larger than 1/4 inch may let in moisture into your home. Consult with a professional before adding sealants to windows.
A window that is leaking could be the result of a variety of factors, such as gaps in the flashing, and windows that aren't properly fitted. It is also essential to check your windows for drainage holes that are blocked which could cause water leak into your home and pool under the sill. It's important to make sure that your window sill slopes correctly to allow water to drain away from the frame and not over or on top.
Broken Seals
Double and triple pane windows have two or three separate glass panes separated by air space and bonded around the edges. This type of window has been referred to as an IGU, which stands for insulated glass unit (IGU). upvc window repairs contain an insulative inert gas such as argon or krypton in between the panes to reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. If one or more the windows seals break, it indicates that the inert gas insulative has leaked out, eliminating the extra insulating benefit.
Window seals can break due to a number of factors, including natural house settling which can cause uneven pressure on the framing around the windows. Winds that are strong can cause damage to the seals particularly if there's a lot of dust in the air. The windows' seals could be damaged by harsh chemicals, like the ones used to strip paint, or extreme temperatures.
When a seal fails it can result in various problems such as draughts that are not clear, increased energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy windows. It is important to know that in most cases, a broken window seal can be fixed instead of being replaced.
To fix damaged seals professional will need to clean the glass's surface and the frame, then remove the IGU and then replace the defective window seal and refit it back in the frame. This procedure can be a bit complicated, so it's important that professionals are employed to carry out this type of window repair to ensure that it's done correctly and on time.
If your windows begin to appear foggy or you observe unaccounted for drafts, it might be time to fix double glazing. Talk to a local window installation company to understand if the current windows can be fixed, or when it's time to get like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with an energy efficient upgrade.