Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing can help keep heat in your home and stop cold air from getting out. This can save you money on energy bills. It also reduces the fade of wood, soft furnishings and paintings.
Sometimes, however a window repair is required. Double-glazed windows can be easily fixed by window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eyesore, but cracked glass can also increase your energy bills due to compromising the insulating properties of your windows. It can also pose an enigma for safety and allow condensation and moisture to enter. If unchecked, even tiny cracks will grow. It is important to fix double glazing windows that have broken or cracked panes as soon as possible.
Double-paned windows are designed to offer better insulation from the cold and heat of standard windows. They hold a layer gas between the two panes to further keep leaks and draughts out However, if they become damaged or the seals fail these advantages will be lost. Fortunately, double-paned windows are still quite simple to fix.
The first thing to do if your window is broken is to thoroughly clean it. If your window was subjected to high winds recently, it might have been hit with debris such as pebbles and hailstones that caused it to break. A little water will help wash these away.
Next, you will need to assess the crack's size and the location of the crack. If the crack is only small enough to be a few centimetres then a piece of clear tape can be used to stop it from getting worse. You can use an adhesive available in hardware shops to fix larger cracks. Make sure you adhere to the directions carefully and allow the glue to completely dry.
Another option is to fill the crack with a putty that is specifically designed for glass. Some are sold as kits with a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes and then pressed into the crack. Some kits can also be helpful for filling in glass chips, but you must be cautious not to fill too much and cause further damage.
It's time for you to consult an expert if you've got cracks or a split that extends beyond the frame, or if insulated glass is affected. This kind of damage requires more complicated repairs and could require replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes that are starting to become cloudy The good news is that they can be fixed. Foggy windows are often caused by condensation that forms between the glass panes. This can be addressed by removing the window affected using a humidifier, which will get rid of the remaining moisture and then reinstalling the window with the new seals. The process is quick cost-effective and efficient.
While you may be tempted to tackle an DIY repair job on your own it is a job best left to a qualified professional. In attempting to defog double-pane windows without taking it apart, you're at risk of breaking the glass or even injuring yourself. You'll also require specialized tools and could be unable to make a solid seal when you drill holes into the window without proper knowledge. The result is windows that struggle to keep its exterior dry, and the hole that you made will let dust and other pollutants to pass through.
If you try to clean double pane windows with a damp towel, the problem could get worse. Moisture that dries on the surface of your windows can be removed by wiping them with a damp cloth. However, when water seeps into the gaps between panes, it isn't cleaned away. Windows that appear to be soiled are a sign that the seals are damaged and, to fix them, you'll need to call in an expert.
There are a number of ways to stop your windows from getting foggy in the first place. Clean your windows regularly to ensure that the haze isn't caused by fingerprints or grease. Make use of fans in rooms that generate large amounts of steam, like bathrooms and kitchens to keep the air moving. Avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them in the event of a need.
Foggy double-pane windows are an indication that the seals between the window panes have become worn out or cracked open that allows 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 needed to ensure that the job is done correctly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Seeing condensation in between panes of double-glazed windows isn't just a nuisance; it also means that the gas that keeps them insulated has been lost. This is due to a broken seal that has to be replaced to keep your home warm and dry.
A leaking window can be more than an inconvenience. It can also cause damage to your home's structure and mold growth, as well as damp ceilings and walls. Repair any leaks immediately after you discover them to avoid the issue from getting worse.
The best way to fix your leaky double glazing is to call the company who installed your windows and talk to a representative. They'll be able give you an idea of what can be fixed and not be fixed, as well as how much it may cost to do so.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it could be easier to repair them with the help of a DIY guide online. There are a variety of guides online that will teach you how to grease handles and hinges as well as tighten screws or mechanisms that aren't functioning correctly. In most cases, this will solve the issue and your doors or windows will be able to open and close.
Caulking can be used to seal gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly useful where the frames meet the double-glazed window. 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 crucial to consult a professional before adding sealants to your windows.
There are many things that can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't fitted properly. It is also essential to check your windows for drainage holes that are blocked which could cause water to leak into your home and pool under the sill. It's also important to make sure that the window sill is properly sloped to allow water to be able to drain away from the frame, and doesn't sit under or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
Triple and double paned windows are now available with three or more panes of glass that are separated by an air gap and a seal around the edge. This type of window is referred to as an Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU). IGU windows have insulative gases like argon or Krypton between the panes of glass to decrease heat transfer or cool transfer. When one or more of the seals on windows breaks, it indicates that the inert gas insulative has escaped, removing the additional insulation benefit.
Window seals may break due to a number of factors that include natural settling of the house that can create uneven pressure on the framing around the windows. High winds can also cause damage to seals, especially if there's lots of dust in the air. Window seals can also get damaged when they're exposed to harsh chemicals such as those used in paint stripping or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
When a seal fails it can lead to various problems like draughts not understood, an increase in energy consumption, and a misted or cloudy windows. It's good to know that in the majority of instances, a damaged window seal can be repaired instead of replacing it.
To fix a damaged window seal an expert will need to clean double glazing upvc windows the frame and glass, remove the IGU and replace the defective seal. 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 look hazy, or you observe unaccounted for drafts, it might be time to replace double glazing. Talk to a local window installation company to determine if the existing windows can be repaired or whether it's time for like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with an energy efficient upgrade.