Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing can keep your home warm and stop cold air from escaping. This will help you save money on energy costs. It also helps to prevent the fading of soft furnishings, wood and paintings.
Sometimes, however a window repair is required. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix by professional window specialists.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just an eyesore; it can compromise the insulation value of your windows and increase energy costs. It could also pose a safety risk and allow condensation and moisture to enter. Even tiny cracks, if not addressed, can continue to increase in size. This is why it's important to fix any double glazing windows that have cracked or broken panes immediately you detect them.
Double-paned Windows are designed to provide greater insulation against temperatures and cold as compared to standard windows. They trap a layer of gas between the two panes in order to prevent draughts and leaks However, if they become damaged or the seals fail the benefits will be lost. Double-paned glass is still relatively easy to repair.
If your window is cracked the first thing to do is to clean it thoroughly. If your window has been subjected to severe winds recently, it might have been hit with debris such as pebbles or hailstones that caused it to crack. A little water will help to wash away these.
You will then need to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is just one or two centimetres long A strip of clear tape can be used to prevent it from getting worse. For larger cracks, make use of an adhesive available in hardware stores to fix glass. Be sure to follow the directions with care and allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Another option is to fill the gap with a putty specifically designed for glass. Some can be rolled into ropes to be placed into the gap and some are sold as kits with a tool that applies the glue automatically. Some kits can be used to fill gaps in glass however you'll need to take care to avoid filling too full and causing further damage.
It's time to speak with an expert if you have cracks or a split that extends past the frame, or if the glass insulation is damaged. This kind of damage is more complex and could require replacement of 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. The issue can be resolved by removing the affected pane, employing a dehumidifier in order to remove any remaining moisture, and then reinserting the window with new seals. The process is simple cost-effective and efficient.
While you may be tempted to tackle a DIY repair by yourself, this is a task best left to a qualified professional. You could break the glass or hurt yourself if you attempt to remove the fog from double-pane windows without removing them. You might also require specialist equipment and will be unable to make a seal if you drill into the window without knowing. You will end with a window that cannot keep it dry, and a hole that allows dust, debris, and other contaminants to get into the window.
Attempting to clean your double pane windows using a wet cloth can actually make the problem worse. upvc repair that has dried on the surface of your windows can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth, however when water seeps into the gaps between panes, it can't be removed by wiping. Windows that appear to be soiled are a sign that the seals are damaged and to fix them, you will need to get an expert.
You can stop your windows from getting cloudy by stopping them from getting fogged in the first instance. Make sure the haze that appears on your windows doesn't result from grease build-up or fingerprint smudges. Do this by cleaning them frequently. Make use of fans in rooms that create lots of steam, like bathrooms and kitchens to keep the air moving. Avoid using humidifiers and only use them if you are required to.
Double-pane windows that are stained or smudgey are a sign that the seals between the window panes have become worn out or cracked open which allows moisture be able to enter and cause condensation. In most instances, this can be repaired by replacing the window pane and sealing it. However, expert assistance is still needed to ensure that the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation in the panes of your double-glazed windows isn't only a problem it also indicates 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 dry and warm.
A window that isn't properly sealed isn't only an inconvenience; it can also harm the structure of your home, cause mold to grow and cause damp ceilings and walls. It's important to fix any leaks immediately you notice them, so that the problem doesn't become worse over time.
Contact the company that installed your windows to talk to a representative. You should be able to get an idea of the cost and what can be done.
If you have an older style of double-glazed windows, it could be simpler to fix them with the help of a DIY guide online. There are a variety of guides available online that teach you how to grease hinges and handles as well as tighten screws or mechanisms that aren't functioning properly. In most cases, this will solve the issue and your windows or doors will once more be simple to open and close.
Caulking can be used to seal the gaps around your double-glazed windows, especially where they join the frames. Be careful not to overfill the gaps. A gap that is larger than 1/4 inch may allow moisture into your home. Talk to a professional before applying sealants to windows.
Many things can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing, or windows that aren't fitted correctly. It is also essential to check your windows for drainage holes that are blocked which could cause water to leak into your home and collect under the sill. It is also essential to ensure that the window sill is sloped correctly to allow water to run away from the frame and doesn't sit under or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
Today's double and triple pane windows come with two or three separate glass panes that are separated by air space, and then sealed around the edges. This kind of window comes with a name called an insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows also have an insulative inert gas such as argon and krypton between the panes to reduce the transfer of heat or cold through the glass. When one or more of the windows seals break, it means that the inert gas insulative has leaked, removing the extra insulating benefit.
Window seals may break due to a number of reasons that include natural settling of the house that can create uneven pressure on the frame around the windows. High winds can also cause damage to the seals especially if there's a lot of dust in the air. Window seals may also be damaged if they're exposed to harsh chemicals, such as the ones used in stripping paint or if they are subjected to extreme temperatures.
When a seal breaks it can lead to many issues like draughts not clear, increased energy consumption, as well as a misted or cloudy windows. It's important 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, a professional needs to clean the glass and frame, remove the IGU and replace the damaged seal. This can be a complicated procedure, so it's important to use an expert for this type of window repair.
If your windows start to appear foggy or you observe unaccounted for drafts, it could be time to replace double glazing. Work with a local window installation company to determine if your current windows can be repaired or when it's time to get like-for-like replacement windows to provide your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.