How to Tell If Your Double Glazed Windows Need Repair
Double-glazed windows are a fantastic investment for your home. In time, they will begin to show signs that they are worn out.
Insufficient sealing can cause double glazing to shrink and may have trouble opening. This can lead to condensation and drafts. Installing trickle vents allows fresh air to enter the room.
Cracked glass
If a double-glazed window cracks, this is an indicator that the seal that insulates the two glass panes is broken. This signifies that the window is no longer able to keep out cold or heat and, in severe cases, the entire unit may require replacement.
Thankfully, damaged windows can be fixed by following a few simple steps. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, be sure to wear eye protection and gloves to work with glass. It is essential to wash all tools prior to using them, as cleaning broken glass can be dangerous. If you do it incorrectly, it could lead to cuts.
It is important to assess the severity of the crack and its origin. If it's due to a recent blow or other external factor then the best choice is to consult an expert to determine if there's a different type of window that would better suit your property.
Once you've identified the source of the damage, it's time to start the repair process. To begin cleaning the area around and over the glass pane that has cracked using a soapy water mix. Dip a cotton rag into the mixture and gently rub the crack to clean off any dirt or debris.
Applying a stripe of masking tape to a crack is among the most effective ways to prevent it from getting worse. This can prevent superficial cracks, like stress cracks from getting more serious by allowing the glass to expand and shrink without putting too much pressure on it. If the crack is more extensive, you will need to use stronger tape that is able to withstand greater tension and extends a few inches beyond the crack on both sides.
Another option is to apply epoxy over the crack. This is labor-intensive and should only be employed for serious cracks. Again, you'll have to be careful in cleaning over and around the crack and then wipe off any excess epoxy from the frame.
Condensation
Condensation can build up in double-glazed windows for various reasons. If you're seeing condensation on the interior surface of the glass, it indicates there's too many moisture levels in the room and not enough air circulation. This is especially prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms where the humidity levels are usually high. It could also happen when you've had work done to your home, like painting or plastering both of which give off massive amounts of moisture.
If the condensation is between the two glass panes, it could be an indication of a problem with your window. It is usually due to a break in the desiccant that is located between the two glass panels. This is a highly absorbent material that takes in any moisture that might enter the gap. If even the tiniest crack or defect is found in this part of your window then the desiccant will quickly become saturated and water will begin to show up as condensation.
One way to prevent condensation building up in your double-glazed windows is to regularly wipe off the inside surfaces of your frames and sills. This is especially important if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather or large temperature variations.
You can clean your double-glazed windows by using a cloth soaked in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. It is not recommended to employ a colored cloth to clean your double glazed windows as this can cause stains from dye.
Contact a professional if you have condensation or misting issues in your double-glazed window. They will be able to solve the issue at less than the cost of replacing the entire window and their service comes with a no-quibble 10-year warranty for your peace of peace of.
Warping
If your double glazed windows are crooking, bowing or twisting to such an extent that they're not a perfect fit for the window opening, you need to get them fixed quickly. If you leave your windows in this condition will ruin their appearance and reduce their resale value. Your home will also be less efficient in energy use because the gaps let cold air from outside to flow in while heated and cooled air escapes.
The most common indication that your double-glazed windows have gone wrong is condensation between the glass panes. This is a clear indication that the seals have been damaged and that the gas called argon which blocks cold air from getting into your home has escaped. If the frames are rotting it's also a sure sign that they need replacing. Rotted frames not only look ugly and can detract from the curb appeal of your home, but they can also make windows less secure. This is a big attraction for burglars since they are aware that double-glazed windows with no security are a simple way to gain entry into homes.
While it is possible to fix a few of these issues however, a professional will typically be able to fix it much faster and more efficiently. They can repair broken seals, and also restore the insulation properties of your double-glazed windows. Additionally, they are able to replace the frame, rather than just the glass panes which is less expensive.
Many double glazed windows come with warranties of 10 to 20 years so if you encounter a problem with them it is worthwhile to contact the company you bought windows from as soon as you can. Some companies even offer a lifetime guarantee, so it is always advisable to check the coverage of your window before you face any issues.
Oiling hinges, handles and the places where the windows enter the frame (if it's sash windows) are some of the more simple double-glazed window repair techniques. This makes windows easier to open and shut and could fix the issue. Some companies also drill holes in double glazing that have been misted to remove moisture.
Discolouration
If you notice discoloration in your double-paned windows, it is a sign that it's the right time to have them replaced. The reason for this is moisture damage resulting from excess humidity in the indoor environment. The stains typically appear as black streaks across the window surface, and while they look wet, they feel dry to the touch. The stains can appear as orange, white or green. If not treated the discoloration could lead to wood rot for the windows as well as toxic mold growth and a host of health problems for household members.
Window discoloration is easily removed using a hog bristle brush liquid window cleaner, Oxalic cleaner. The first step is to clean the dirt that has built up and accumulated on the windows. Once the loose dirt has been removed and you are able to make use of a safety razor remove thicker dirt. Then, use the oxalic cleaner to get rid of any remaining remnants. The best method to ensure the problem doesn't return is to perform regular maintenance and cleaning.
Double-pane windows form part of the energy envelope, which is the insulated enclosure that includes the roof, exterior walls and the fenestrations (skylights entrance doors, windows). They keep out the outside temperature and help maintain an even temperature inside. If you're worried about the efficiency of your energy use of your home, it's important to address any issues in your fenestrations, as soon as you can.
As double-paned windows get older, they can develop a range of issues that can impact their performance and longevity. The most common issue is a damaged seal that causes condensation and other issues. Fortunately, glass glazier 's not difficult to fix these issues by locating the right expert for the job.
While some homeowners are willing to tackle a double-glazed window repair task on their own, it's normally better to delegate the work to a trained professional. This will help ensure that the job is done correctly and the quality of the double-glazed window is maintained. The choice of a professional is crucial to ensure that you're getting the most value for your money. The database of verified reliable tradespeople will help you find the most suitable double-glazed window repair professional to meet your requirements.