14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing helps keep heat inside your home and blocks cold air from escaping and causing you to pay more energy bills. It also reduces fading to soft furnishings, paintings and wood.
Sometimes, however, a repair of a window is needed. Fortunately, double glazing windows are relatively easy to fix by professional window specialists.
Cracked Panes
Cracked glass isn't just a visual affront It can also affect your window's insulation and increase energy costs. It can also pose a safety hazard and allow condensation to enter and moisture. Even tiny cracks, if not addressed, can continue to grow. It is essential to repair double glazing windows with broken or cracked panes as soon as possible.
Double-paned windows are designed to provide better insulation from cold and heat than standard windows. Double-paned windows create an air gap between the two panes which prevents draughts. However, if the glass or seals become damaged and the advantages of double-paned windows will be removed. Double-paned glass is still relatively simple to repair.
If your window has cracked The first step is to clean it thoroughly. If your window was recently exposed to strong winds, it could be blasted by pebbles or hailstones that caused it to crack. A little water will help to wash away these.
You'll then have to determine the size and location of the crack. If the crack is just small enough to be a few centimetres, a stripe of clear tape can be used to prevent it from becoming worse. For larger cracks, you can apply an adhesive that is sold in hardware stores for fixing glass. Make sure you adhere to the directions carefully and allow the glue to completely dry.
Filling the crack with putty made for glass is another possibility. Some kits are available that include a tool used to apply the glue. Others can be rolled up into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits can also be used to fill gaps in glass, although you will need to take care to avoid overfilling and cause further damage.
If you notice cracks that extend beyond the frame, or if it's a crack in the glass that is insulated then it's time to call in an expert. This type of damage requires more complex repairs and may 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 and can be solved by removing the affected pane, by using a dehumidifier to eliminate any moisture remaining and then re-inserting the window with a new seal. The procedure is fast cost-effective and efficient.
While you may be tempted to attempt the DIY repair work on your own it is a job best left to a skilled professional. If you attempt to defog double-pane windows without disassembling it, you run at risk of breaking the glass, or harming yourself. It is also possible that you will require specialized equipment and be unable make a seal if you drill through the window without understanding. The result is windows that have a hard time keeping it free of moisture and the hole that you made will allow dust and other pollutants to pass through.
If you try to clean your double pane windows using a wet cloth can actually cause the problem to get worse. upvc repairs that has dried on the outside of windows can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth, however when moisture gets into the spaces between panes, it isn't cleaned away. The windows that are stained with water indicate that the seals have broken and, to repair them, you'll need to call in a professional.
There are many 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 grease or fingerprints. Fans can be utilized in areas with a lot steam, like kitchens and bathrooms. They help circulate air. Try to avoid using humidifiers in these rooms and only use them if necessary.
Foggy double-pane windows can be an indication that the seals between your window panes have worn-out or cracked which allows moisture get in and result in condensation. In most cases, this can be corrected by replacing the window pane and sealing it. However, assistance from a professional is required to ensure that the work is done properly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation between the panes in double-glazed windows can be an inconvenience However, it also indicates that they've lost the gas that insulates them. This is because of a damaged seal that has 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 damage the structure of your home, which can cause mold to develop and cause damp ceilings and walls. You should fix any leaks as soon as you discover them to avoid the issue from becoming worse.
The best way to fix your leaking double-glazing is to contact the company that installed your windows and speak with a representative. You should be able to get an idea of the cost and what can be done.
If you have an older model of double-glazed windows, it could be easier to fix them using a DIY guide online. There are a variety of guides available online that show you how to lubricate hinges and handles as well tightening screws or mechanisms that aren't functioning correctly. This is often able to fix the issue and allow you to open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around your double-glazed windows, particularly where they meet the frames. However, be careful not to use too much. A gap of more than 1/4 inch could allow moisture to enter your home, which is why it's important to speak with a professional before applying any sealants to your windows.
Many factors can cause a window to leak, such as gaps in the flashing or windows that aren't fitted correctly. It is also recommended to have your windows checked to determine if there are any drainage pipes that are clogged that could cause water to leak into and pool under your sill. It's also important to ensure that the window sill is sloped correctly to allow water to be able to drain away from the frame, and doesn't be buried beneath or on top of the windows.
Broken Seals
Double and triple paned windows are now available with two or three separate panes of glass separated by an air space and sealed around the edge. This type of window is called an insulated glazing unit (IGU). IGU windows also feature an inert gas that is insulative such as argon and krypton between the panes to help reduce cold or heat transfer through the glass. If one or more the windows seals break, it indicates that the insulative inert gas has leaked out, eliminating the insulation benefits.
Window seals can fail due to a number of reasons, including natural house settling which can cause uneven pressure on the frames around the windows. The force of the wind, particularly when there's lots of dust in the air, can also cause damage to seals. Window seals may also be damaged if they're exposed to harsh chemicals like the ones used in stripping paint or if they are subjected to extreme temperatures.
When a seal breaks it can lead to a variety of problems such as draughts that are not understood, an increase in energy consumption, and misted or cloudy window. The good news is that most times the time windows seals break, it can be repaired, not replacing it.
To repair a broken seal the expert will have to clean the glass's surface and the frame, remove the IGU and then replace the defective window seal and then put it back into place. This process isn't easy, so it's important that professionals are employed for this kind of window repair in order to ensure that it's done correctly and on time.
So, if your windows are beginning to appear hazy or you've noticed strange drafts, then it's time for some double glazing repairs. Work with a local window installation company to determine if your current windows can be fixed, or whether it's time for like-for-like replacement windows to furnish your home with an energy efficient upgrade.
