upvc window repairs glazing helps keep heat inside your home and blocks cold air from escaping, saving you money on energy bills. It also prevents the fading of soft furniture, paintings, and wood.
Sometimes however, repairs to windows are required. Double glazing windows can be easily fixed by window specialists.
Cracked Panes
It's not just an eyesore, but cracked glass can also increase your energy bills due to compromising the insulation properties of your windows. It could also pose a safety risk and allow condensation and moisture to get into. If not addressed, even small cracks will only continue to increase. This is why it's important to fix any double-glazing windows that are cracked or broken panes as soon as you detect the cracks.
Double-paned windows are made to offer better insulation from the cold and heat of standard windows. They trap a layer of gas between the two panes to further stop leaks and draughts, but if they become damaged or the seals break the benefits will be lost. Fortunately double-paned windows remain fairly easy to repair.
The first thing you should do if your window has cracked is clean it thoroughly. If your window has been exposed to strong winds recently, it could be smashed by debris such as pebbles and hailstones which caused it to crack. A little water will help remove these.
The next step is to assess the crack's size and location. If the crack is only a few centimetres long, a strip of clear tape might suffice to prevent it from getting any worse. You can use an adhesive sold in hardware shops to fix larger cracks. Follow the instructions and allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Another option is to fill the crack with a putty specifically designed for glass. There are kits available that include a tool to apply the glue. Others can be rolled up into ropes and pressed into the crack. Some kits are suitable for filling glass chips, but be cautious not to fill too much and cause further damage.
If you have cracks that extend over the frame or if it's a split in the glass insulated then it's time to contact an expert. This kind of damage is more difficult and may require replacing the entire pane.
Foggy Panes
You can repair dual pane windows when they are fogging up. Foggy windows may be caused by condensation that develops between the glass panes. This can be fixed by removing the affected window and using a humidifier to eliminate the moisture, and then reinstalling it with the new seals. The process is quick cost-effective and efficient.
You may be tempted by the idea of doing the DIY task, but it is best left to the professionals. In attempting to defog double-pane windows without disassembling it, you are at risk of breaking the glass or injuring yourself. It is also possible that you will require specialized equipment and be unable create a seal if drill into the window without understanding. You will end with a window that cannot keep itself dry, and a gap that allows dust, debris, and other contaminants into the window.
If you try to clean double-pane windows with a wet towel the problem can worsen. If the moisture is drying out on the window's surface you can clean it off with a damp rag. However, if the moisture seeps between the panes, it is unable to be removed. Foggy windows can be a sign of faulty seals. To fix them, call an expert.
You can prevent your windows becoming foggy by making sure they don't get fogged in the first place. Make sure the haze that appears on your windows isn't caused by grease accumulation or fingerprint smudges. You can do this by wiping them down frequently. Fans are a great option in areas with a lot steam, like bathrooms and kitchens. They will help to circulate air. Avoid using humidifiers in these rooms, and use them only when absolutely necessary.
Foggy double-paned windows can be a sign of damaged or worn seals, which allow moisture to get in and cause condensation. In the majority of instances, this can be corrected by replacing the window pane and resealing it. However, professional assistance is still required to ensure that the work is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Leaking Panes
Condensation in the panes of double-glazed windows can be an issue, but it also means that they've lost the gas that insulates them. This is because of a damaged seal that has to be replaced to keep your home warm and dry.
A leaking window isn't just an issue that is annoying, it could also damage the structure of your home, cause mold to develop and cause damp walls and ceilings. It's important to fix any leaks immediately you notice them, so that the problem doesn't get worse over time.
The best method to fix your leaky double glazing is to contact the company that installed your windows and speak with the representative. You should be able to get an idea of the price and the best way to fix it.
If you have an older design of double-glazed windows, it could be easier to repair them with the help of DIY guides online. There are many guides available online that teach you how to grease hinges and handles as well in tightening mechanisms or screws that don't work properly. This is often able to fix the issue and let you open or close your windows and doors again.
Caulking can be used to close gaps around your double-glazed windows, particularly where they join the frames. Be cautious not to apply too much. A gap greater than 1/4 inch can let moisture into your home, which is why it's important to consult a professional before applying any sealants to your windows.
A window that is leaking can be caused by a variety of things, including gaps in the flashing, and windows that aren't installed correctly. It's also important to check your windows for drainage holes that are blocked which could cause water enter your home and collect under the sill. It's crucial to ensure that your window sill slopes correctly to allow water to drain away from the frame, and not over or on top.
Broken Seals
Double and triple pane windows come with three or more glass panes that are separated by air space and sealed around the edges. This type of window is known as an Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU). IGU windows are insulated with gases like argon or krypton in between the glass panes to reduce heat or cool transfer. If one or more seals on these windows fail the gas that is insulative has been released. This negates the insulation benefit.
The seals around windows can be damaged by a variety. This includes natural house settlement, which can lead to uneven pressure. The force of the wind, particularly when there's lots of dust in the air, may also damage the seals. The seals of windows can be damaged by harsh chemicals, like the ones used to strip paint or extreme temperatures.
When a window seal breaks it can cause several problems, such as draughts that are not explained or increased energy consumption, as well as misted or cloudy windows. It is important to know that in most cases, a broken window seal can be repaired instead of replacing it.
To repair a broken window seal, a professional will have to clean the frame and glass and then take out the IGU and replace the damaged seal. This is a complex process, so it is important to use an expert for this type of window repair.
So, if your windows are beginning to appear foggy or you've noticed unexplained drafts then it might be time for some double glazing repairs. Contact a local window installation business to determine if the existing windows can be fixed or whether it's time for like-for-like replacement windows to provide your home with a more energy efficient upgrade.
