Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and prevents cold air from venting out which can save you money on energy bills. It also reduces the fading of wood, soft furniture and paintings.
Sometimes, however, a repair of a window is required. Luckily, double-glazed windows are relatively simple to fix by skilled window experts.
Cracked Panes
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 injury risk and let in condensation and moisture. Even small cracks, if left unchecked, will continue to grow. It is important to fix double glazing windows with broken or cracked panes right away.
Double-paned windows are designed to offer better insulation from cold and heat than standard windows. Double-paned windows create layers between the two panes that blocks drafts. However, if glass or seals are damaged then the benefits of double-paned windows will be eliminated. Fortunately double-paned windows are relatively easy to repair.
If your window has cracked The first thing you should do is to clean it thoroughly. If your window has been subjected to high winds recently, it could have been blasted with debris like pebbles and hailstones that caused it to crack. A splash of water can wash these away.
You'll then have to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is just a few centimetres long then a piece of clear tape may suffice to stop it from worsening. For larger cracks, make use of an adhesive available in hardware stores to fix glass. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Another alternative is to fill the gap with a putty designed for glass. Some are sold as kits that include a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some of these kits are also useful for filling in glass chips, but be careful not to fill them too full and cause further damage.
It's time to speak with an expert if you've got cracks or splits that extends beyond the frame, or if glass that is insulated has been damaged. This kind of damage is more complex and could require replacement of the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
Repairing dual pane windows when they are getting cloudy. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes and can be resolved by getting rid of the affected pane employing a dehumidifier in order to remove any moisture remaining, and then reinserting the window with a new seal. The procedure is fast cost-effective and efficient.
You may be tempted by the idea of doing an DIY task however, it is best left to professionals. In attempting to defog a double-pane window without taking it apart, you're at risk of breaking the glass, or harming yourself. You might also require specialist equipment and will be unable to make a seal if you drill into the window without understanding. You will end with a window that is unable to keep it dry, and a hole that allows dust, debris, and other contaminants into the window.
If you attempt to clean double pane windows using a wet towel, the problem will get worse. Moisture that dries on the outside of windows can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth, but when moisture seeps into the gaps between the panes, it isn't wiped away. The windows that are stained with water can be an indication of damaged seals. To fix them, call an expert.
There are many ways to prevent your windows from getting foggy in the first place. Wipe window renovation down regularly to ensure that the haze is not caused by grease or fingerprints. Use fans in rooms that create lots of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to keep air moving. Avoid using humidifiers and only use them if you are required to.
Double-pane windows that are stained or smudgey are an indication that the seals between your window panes have become damaged or cracked which allows moisture get in and cause condensation. This can be fixed most of the time by having the window pane replaced and resealed but it may require professional help to ensure the task is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
The sight of condensation between the panes of double-glazed windows isn't just an inconvenience it also indicates that the gas that helps keep them insulated is gone. This usually happens because of a damaged seal, and it's time to replace it to keep your home dry and warm.
A leaking window isn't just an inconvenience; it could also damage the structure of your home, which can cause mold to develop and cause damp walls and ceilings. It is essential to fix any leaks when you notice them, to ensure that the issue doesn't get worse over time.
Contact the company that installed your windows and speak to an agent. They will be able to provide you with an idea of what could and can't be fixed and what it will cost to fix it.
Repairing double-glazed windows that are older by using an online DIY guide. There are plenty of guides that walk you through the process of oiling hinges and handles, as well as tighten mechanisms and screws that aren't working correctly. This is often able to fix the problem and allow you to open and close your windows and doors again.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around double-glazed windows. This is especially useful where the frames meet the double-glazed window. Be careful not to use too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch can allow moisture into your home. Consult with a professional before adding sealants to windows.
Many things can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't installed properly. It is also recommended to examine your windows to determine if there are any drainage pipes that are blocked that could allow water to leak through and pool under your sill. It's also important to make sure that the window sill is sloped appropriately to allow water to be able to drain away from the frame and doesn't rest on top or under the surface of the windows.
Broken Seals
Triple paned and double paned windows are now available with three or more panes of glass separated by an air space, and then sealed around the edges. This kind of window has the name of an insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows also contain an insulative inert gas, such as argon or krypton in between the panes, which helps reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. When one or more of these windows seals breaks it means that the inert gas insulative has leaked, removing the extra insulating benefit.
The seals around windows can be damaged by a variety. This includes natural home settlement, which can result in uneven pressure. Winds that are strong can cause damage to seals, especially if there's a lot of dust in the air. The seals of windows can be damaged by harsh chemicals, like those used to strip paint or extreme temperatures.
If a window seal is damaged, it can cause various issues, including unexplained draughts as well as increased energy consumption and clouds or misty windows. The good news is that the majority times that the window seal breaks, it can be repaired, not replaced.
To repair a broken window seal an expert will need to clean the glass and frame and then take out the IGU and then replace the damaged seal. This process isn't easy and requires an expert is employed to carry out this type of window repair to ensure it's carried out properly and in a timely manner.
If your windows start to look foggy, or you notice unaccounted for drafts, it could be time to replace double glazing. Talk to a local window installation business to determine if your current windows can be repaired or when it's time to get like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with an energy efficient upgrade.