So , You've Purchased Double Glazing Windows Repairs ... Now What?
Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing will keep heat in your home and stop cold air from getting out. This can help you save money on energy costs. It also reduces the fade of wood, soft furniture and paintings.
Sometimes, however it is necessary to repair a window. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix by professional window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eyesore however, cracked glass can also increase your energy bills due to compromising the insulating properties of your windows. It can also pose a safety risk and allow moisture and condensation to enter. Even small cracks, not addressed, can continue to expand. This is why it's so important to repair any double-glazing windows that have cracked or broken panes immediately you are able to notice them.
Double-paned windows are designed to provide better insulation from cold and heat than standard windows. The double-paned windows trap layers between the two panes that stops drafts. However, if glass or seals are damaged, the benefits of the double-paned windows will be eliminated. Fortunately, double-paned windows are still quite simple to repair.
If your window is damaged the first step is clean it thoroughly. If your window was subjected to high winds recently, it could have been hit with debris such as pebbles and hailstones which caused it to crack. These can be removed by the help of water.
Next, you will need to determine the crack's size and location. If the crack is just a few centimetres in length, a strip of clear tape may be enough to keep it from getting worse. You can use an adhesive that is sold in hardware shops to fix larger cracks. Follow the directions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Another option is to fill in the gap with a putty that is specifically designed for glass. Some of them can be rolled into ropes, which can then be put into the gap and some are sold as kits that come with a tool that applies glue for you. Some kits can also be used to fill with glass chips but you'll be careful to avoid overfilling and cause further damage.
If you've got cracks that extend over the frame or is an opening in the insulated glass 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
You can repair dual pane windows if they are fogging up. Foggy windows are caused by condensation between the glass panes. This can be fixed by taking off the affected pane, using a dehumidifier to remove any moisture that remains, and then reinserting the window with new seals. The process is quick cost-effective and efficient.
While you may be tempted to attempt the DIY repair job by yourself but this is a job best left to a skilled professional. If you attempt to defog a double-pane window without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass or hurting yourself. You may also need specialist equipment and will be unable to create a seal if drill into the window with no knowledge. The result is windows that have a hard time keeping it free of moisture and the hole that you made will let dust and other pollutants to pass through.
If you attempt to clean double-pane windows using a wet towel, the problem will get worse. If moisture dries out on the window's surface you can clean it off using a damp rag. If, however, the moisture seeps between the panes, it will not be removed. The windows that are stained with water can be an indication of damaged seals. To repair them, contact an expert.
There are a number of ways you can prevent your windows from getting foggy in the first place. Clean your windows frequently to ensure that the haze is not caused by fingerprints or grease. Fans are a great option in rooms where there is lots of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They can help circulate the air. Avoid using humidifiers and only use them if you have to.
Foggy double-pane windows can be a sign that the seals between the window panes have damaged or cracked that allows moisture to get in and result in condensation. This can be corrected in most cases by having the damaged window pane replaced and sealed however, it will require professional help to ensure that the work is done correctly and to your complete satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation in the panes of double-glazed windows can be an inconvenience However, it also indicates that they've lost gas that helps insulate them. This is due to a damaged seal that has to be replaced in order to keep your home dry and warm.
A window that leaks could cause more than an inconvenience. It could also cause damage to your home's structure and mold growth, as well as damp walls and ceilings. Repair any leaks immediately after you notice them to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Contact the company who installed your windows to speak to a representative. They should be able to give you an idea of what could and can't be fixed and how much it may cost to do so.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it may be simpler to fix them with the help of DIY guides online. There are plenty of guides that walk you through the process of oiling handles and hinges as well as tighten mechanisms and screws that aren't functioning properly. This will often resolve the problem and allow you to open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking can be used to fill in gaps around double-glazed windows. window leaks repair is particularly helpful where the frames touch the double-glazed window. Be cautious not to use too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch can allow moisture to enter your home and that's why it's crucial to consult a professional before adding any sealants to your windows.
There are many things that can cause a window to leak, including gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't installed properly. It's also important to have your windows inspected for clogged drainage holes, which can cause water to leak into your home and collect under the sill. It's also important to make sure that your window sill is properly sloped, so that it allows water to be able to drain away from the frame, and doesn't sit under or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
The latest triple and double pane windows have two or three separate glass panes that are separated by air space, and then sealed around the edges. This kind of window has been referred to as an insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows also contain an inert gas that is insulative such as argon or krypton between the panes to reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. If one or more of the windows seals break, it is a sign that the insulative inert gas has escaped, removing the extra insulating benefit.
Window seals may break due to a number of reasons, including natural house settling that can create uneven pressure on the framing around the windows. High winds, especially when there's lots of dust in the air, could also damage the seals. The windows' seals could be damaged by harsh chemicals, such as those used for paint stripping or extreme temperatures.
If a window seal is damaged, it can result in a number of issues, including unexplained draughts, increased energy consumption and cloudy or misty windows. The good news is that most times that windows seals break, it can be repaired rather than replaced.
In order to repair a damaged window seal, a professional will have to clean the glass and frame and then take out the IGU and replace the damaged seal. This is a complex procedure, so it's important to use an expert for this kind of window repair.
If your windows start to look hazy, or you observe unaccounted for drafts, it may be time to fix double glazing. Talk to an installation service in your area to determine if the existing windows can be fixed or when it's time to get like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.