What's Holding Back In The Double Glazing Windows Repairs Industry?
Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing can help keep your home warm and stop cold air from escaping. This will save you money on energy bills. It also reduces fading to soft furniture, paintings, and wood.
Sometimes, however it is necessary to repair a window. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix by skilled window specialists.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just a visual affront; it can compromise your window's insulation and increase energy costs. It could also be danger to your safety and allow condensation and moisture. If unchecked, even tiny cracks will grow. This is why it's crucial to repair double glazing windows that have cracked or broken panes as soon as you notice the cracks.
Double-paned windows are designed to provide better insulation from cold and heat compared to conventional windows. Double-paned windows create a layer between the two panes that prevents drafts. However, if glass or seals are damaged, the benefits of the double-paned windows will be eliminated. Fortunately double-paned windows remain quite simple to fix.
The first thing you should do if your window has broken is to thoroughly clean it. If your window was recently exposed to strong winds, it could be blasted by pebbles and hailstones which caused it to break. A splash of water can remove these.
Next, you will need to determine the size of the crack and its location. If the crack is a few centimetres wide, a strip of clear tape might be enough to keep it from getting any worse. You can apply an adhesive that is sold in hardware stores to repair larger cracks. Follow the instructions and let the adhesive dry completely.
Another option is to fill in the crack with a putty specifically designed for glass. Some kits are available that include a tool used to apply the glue. Others can be rolled into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits can be used to fill with glass chips but you'll have to be careful to not overfill and cause further damage.
If you notice cracks that extend beyond the frame or is a crack in the insulated glass It's time to call in an expert. This kind of damage is more complicated and could require replacement of the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
You can repair dual pane windows if they're fogging up. Foggy windows are often caused by condensation that forms between the glass panes. This can be addressed by removing the affected window and using a humidifier to get rid of the remaining moisture and then reinstalling the window with the new seals. The process is quick, cheap and effective.
You might be enticed by the idea of doing a DIY task, but it is best left to the 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 may also need specialized equipment and be unable create a seal if you drill into the window with no knowing. You'll end up with a window which isn't able to remain dry, and a gap that lets dust, debris, and other pollutants to enter the window.
If you try to clean windows with double panes using a wet towel, the problem will get worse. Moisture that has dried on the surface of windows can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth. However, when water seeps into the spaces between panes, it isn't removed by wiping. Foggy windows can be an indication of damaged seals. To fix them, call an expert.
There are a number of ways to stop your windows from becoming hazy in the first place. 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. Use fans in rooms that generate lots of steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens to keep the air moving. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them in the event of a need.
Double-pane windows that are stained or smudgey are a sign that the seals between the window panes have worn-out or cracked that allows moisture to be able to enter and cause condensation. This can be fixed most of the time by having the damaged window pane replaced and sealed but it may require assistance from a professional to ensure the task is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes of double-glazed windows is an issue however it also indicates that they've lost gas that helps insulate them. This is due to a damaged seal that needs to be replaced to keep your home warm and dry.
A window that isn't properly sealed isn't only an annoying nuisance; it could also damage the structure of your home, causing mold to grow, and eventually cause damp walls and ceilings. It is crucial to repair any leaks when you notice them, so that the problem doesn't get worse over time.
Contact the company who installed your windows and talk to a representative. They should be able to provide you with an idea of what can and can't be fixed and what it will cost to do so.
If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have an older model of double-glazed windows, it might be easier to repair them with the help of an online DIY guide. There are many guides that can walk you through the process of oiling handles and hinges, and also tightening screws and mechanisms that aren't functioning properly. This is often able to fix the problem and allow you to open and close your doors and windows again.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around double-glazed windows. This is particularly helpful when the frames are in contact with the double-glazed window. Be cautious not to use too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch could allow moisture into your home. Consult with a professional prior to adding sealants to windows.
There are many things that can cause windows to leak, including gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't installed correctly. It is also recommended to have your windows checked to determine if they have any drainage pipes that are clogged that could allow water to leak through and pool under your sill. It is also essential to ensure that the window sill is properly sloped to allow water to run away from the frame and does not be buried beneath or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
Triple paned and double paned windows are available with three or more panes of glass separated by an air space and a seal around the edge. This kind of window comes with the name of an insulated glass unit (IGU). IGU windows are insulated with gases like argon or Krypton within the panes of glass to limit heat or cool transfer. If one or more of the seals on these windows breaks the insulative gas has been released. This eliminates the extra insulation benefits.
Window seals can fail due to a number of factors that include natural settling of the house which can put uneven pressure on the frame around the windows. Winds that are strong can cause damage to seals, especially if there's a lot of dust in the air. The windows' seals can be damaged by harsh chemicals, like those used to strip paint, or extreme temperatures.
If a seal is damaged, it can cause various problems like draughts not explained, increased energy consumption, and a misted or cloudy window. It's good to know that, in the majority of instances, a damaged window seal can be repaired instead of being replaced.
To fix 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 reinstall it back into the frame. This can be a difficult process, so it is important to use a professional for this type window repair.
If your windows begin to appear hazy or you've noticed unusual drafts, then it's the time to make double glazing repairs. Contact a local window installation business to understand if the 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.