Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing keeps heat inside your home and blocks cold air from venting out which can save you money on energy bills. It also reduces the fade of soft furnishings, wood and paintings.
Sometimes, however, a repair of a window is required. Luckily, double-glazed windows are relatively simple to repair by experienced window specialists.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just an eyesore it can also compromise the insulation value of your windows, increasing energy bills. It can also pose an injury risk and allow condensation and moisture. If not addressed, even small cracks will only continue to increase. This is why it's so important to repair any double glazing windows that have cracked or broken panes as soon as you are able to notice them.
Double-paned Windows are made to provide greater insulation against temperatures and cold as compared to conventional windows. The double-paned windows trap layers between the two panes which stops drafts. But, if glass or seals become damaged and the advantages of double-paned windows will be eliminated. Fortunately double-paned windows remain fairly easy to fix.
The first thing to do if your window has broken is to thoroughly clean it. If your window has been subjected to high winds recently, it might be smashed by debris such as pebbles or hailstones which caused it to break. A bit of water can help remove these.
You will then need to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is just small enough to be a few centimetres A strip of clear tape could be used to stop it from getting any worse. You can apply an adhesive sold in hardware stores to repair larger cracks. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Filling the gap with putty that is made for glass is another possibility. Some can be made into ropes that can be put into the gap and others are sold in kits that come with a tool that applies the glue for you. Some kits can be used to fill in chips in the glass however you'll need to take care to avoid filling too full and causing further damage.
If you have cracks that extend beyond the frame or is a crack in the glass insulated, it's time to call in an expert. This kind of damage will require more complicated repairs and could involve replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
If you have windows with dual panes which are beginning to get cloudy, the good news is they can be repaired. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes. This can be solved by getting rid of the affected pane employing a dehumidifier in order to remove any remaining moisture and then re-inserting the window with a new seal. The process is quick cost-effective and efficient.
You might be enticed by the thought of doing the DIY task however, it is best left to the professionals. If you attempt to defog double-pane windows without disassembling it, you are at risk of breaking the glass, or injuring yourself. You'll also require special tools and may be unable to achieve a proper seal when you drill holes into the window without proper knowledge. The result is windows that struggle to keep it free of moisture and the hole you've created will easily allow dust, debris and other contaminants to enter.
Attempting to clean your double pane windows using a damp cloth could cause the problem to worsen. If the moisture is drying out on the window surface, you can wipe it away with a damp rag. However, if water seeps into the panes, it will not be removed. Foggy windows can be a sign of broken seals. To repair them, contact an expert.
You can avoid your windows getting foggy by preventing them from fogging up in the first instance. Clean your windows regularly to ensure that the fog is not caused by grease or fingerprints. Use fans in rooms that produce large amounts of steam, such as kitchens and bathrooms to ensure that the air is moving. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them when absolutely necessary.
Foggy double-pane windows are a sign that the seals between the window panes have damaged or cracked, which allows moisture to be able to enter and cause condensation. This can be fixed in the majority of cases by having the affected window pane replaced and resealed, but it will still require the assistance of a professional to ensure the task is done properly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Seeing condensation in between upvc windows repairs panes of double-glazed windows isn't just a nuisance it also indicates that the gas that keeps them warm is gone. This usually happens because of a damaged seal, which requires replacement to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that isn't properly sealed isn't only an inconvenience; it can also damage the structure of your home, cause mold to develop and result in damp walls and ceilings. Repair any leaks promptly after you notice them to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Contact the company that installed your windows to speak with a representative. They will be able to give you an idea of what can be fixed and what can't, and what it will cost to do so.
If you have an older style of double-glazed windows, it might be simpler to fix them with the help of an online DIY guide. There are plenty of guides that can walk you through how to oil handles and hinges, and also tighten screws and mechanisms that aren't working correctly. This is often able to fix the problem and let you open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking is a great way to fill in gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly useful when the frames are in contact with the double-glazed window. Be careful not to apply too much. A gap that is larger than 1/4 inch can allow moisture into your home. Consult a professional prior to adding sealants to windows.
Many factors can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing, or windows that are not fitted properly. It's also important to have your windows inspected for drainage holes that are blocked which can cause water to enter your home and collect under the sill. It is also essential to ensure that your window sill is properly sloped to allow water to be able to drain away from the frame and does not be buried beneath or on top 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 is referred to as an insulated glazing unit (IGU). IGU windows contain insulative gases like argon or Krypton between the glass panes to reduce heat transfer or cool transfer. If one or more of the seals on these windows breaks the insulative gas has been released. This negates the insulation benefit.
The seals around windows could be damaged by a variety of factors. This includes natural house settlement, which can lead to uneven pressure. High winds can also cause damage to seals, especially if there's lots of dust in the air. Window seals can also be damaged if they're exposed harsh chemicals such as the ones used in stripping paint or when they're exposed to extreme temperatures.
If a window seal is damaged, it can cause several issues, including unexplained draughts as well as increased energy consumption and misted or cloudy windows. It is important to know that in most cases, a broken window seal can be repaired instead of being replaced.
In order to repair an unsound seal the expert will have to clean the surface of the glass and the frame, then remove the IGU, replace the faulty window seal and then put it back in place. This can be a difficult procedure, which is why it is crucial to work with an expert for this kind of window repair.
If your windows are beginning to look foggy or you've noticed unusual drafts, it could be time to consider double glazing repairs. Talk to a local window installation company to determine if your current windows can be repaired or is it time to consider replacement windows to provide your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.