Window Glass Repair Near Me
Window glass is a crucial component of many homes, offering protection and insulation. It can also enhance the value of a home and reduce utility costs through its energy efficiency.
Double-paned glass adds an extra layer of protection and reduces drafts and noise, and is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. They can also opt for argon-filled glass, which provides additional insulation against frost and energy efficiency.
Cracked or Broken Panes
If your window is damaged or cracked, it's time to call an expert for assistance. Cracked windows can be dangerous and can prevent your home from sustaining heat in winter and cool air in the summer. Small cracks and chips will worsen over time, weakening the quality of your glass and making it vulnerable to the elements.
In the meantime, there are some ways to minimize the damage and ensure your family is secure and comfortable while waiting for a pro to arrive.
You can use things you already have around the home to fill in or seal a small chip or crack such as nail polish that is clear or super glue. Make sure you thoroughly clean the crack of dirt and debris before applying the glue, and let it dry completely before opening the window again.
Masking tape can also be used to prevent the crack from getting any worse. Tape can be used to protect and cover the damaged area, which helps block out rain, wind, snow, bugs, and other unwanted elements from entering your home. You can also cover your entire window with plastic such as a tarp, shower curtain, or trash bag.
You could also install vinyl or wood bead molding to shield the outside of your window from the elements of water and other debris. However, this is only recommended if the window frame is in good working order. If you are not able to cover the window with these methods, or if the crack has grown and damaged the stability of the glass or frame of the window, it is crucial to call an expert in residential replacement windows immediately to avoid further damage.
Whether you need a double pane window repaired in the winter or an entirely new glass unit for your home improvement project, the experts at Kryger Glass can help you get the job done right. Contact us today to find out more about our residential glass repair services and to schedule an estimate for your home.
Broken Seals
Windows of today are constructed with either triple or double panes of glass that are separated by the air or odorless, clear gas. These glass units that are insulated (IGUs) aid in keeping homes and businesses warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer. If windows seals are damaged, it can lead to fogging and condensation in the middle of your windows that can't be removed from the inside or outside. It's essential to repair these issues as soon as you can before they cause mildew or water damage.
The reason for the windows to be cloudy is the failure of the seal that keeps the IGUs together and keeps out humidity. If the seal is damaged it allows moisture to enter between the glass panes and result in condensation. Although the condensation doesn't damage your windows, it does reduce their insulating abilities. This is why it's essential to check your windows on a regular basis.
The most effective way to fix a damaged window seal is to replace the IGU. This involves taking the IGU from the sash, a brand new IGU being placed in the sash, then the sash is then reassembled. This procedure is best performed by a window expert who is familiar with the process of disassembling the window and the steps to put it back together.
If windows seals fail then you should also determine whether there is a warranty from the manufacturer. Window manufacturers typically provide a guarantee ranging from 3 to 15 years. A majority of manufacturers will replace the window seal for free charge if it fails within this time frame. This does not include cost of installing the new IGU by a contractor.
Low-Emissivity Glass
Windows are a great option to improve your home's view and let in natural light, but they can also increase energy costs and heat transfer. To decrease the amount of heat that passes through windows homeowners usually opt for blinds and drapes that are thick. These methods reduce the amount heat that passes through a window but also block most of the sunlight and view. Low-Emissivity (Low E) glass is the solution to this problem without sacrificing light or views.
Windows that have low-e glass come with an exclusive coating on the inside surface of the glass. The coating is transparent and is composed of tiny metallic oxides. This coating is designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of windows by reflecting infrared radiation as well as solar heat. This helps maintain an even temperature inside, which reduces heating and cooling costs.
Low-e glass can be a great option for homeowners seeking to save money on energy costs. This is true especially for homeowners who live in areas with extreme temperatures. While the price to install low-e glass is higher than double-paned windows energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs are worth the investment.
Low-e glass not only improves energy efficiency but also protects furniture against fading and other damages caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. UV rays not only cause skin damage, but they can also fade fabrics and degrade the quality of furniture made from wood with time. In addition to reducing the cost of energy low-e glass is safe for pets and children than standard windows since it doesn't contain mercury or lead.
You can save money when you repair the glass instead of replacing it if you have a crack that is less than an inch in size. This can be done by mixing a hardener and resin with a putty blade and then applying it to the crack. The glass has to cure for 24 hours after the application.
Argon Gas
Argon is one of the noble gases which serve a variety of industrial uses. It is non-toxic, odorless, and cheap. It disperses quickly in well-ventilated areas. This property makes argon ideal for window construction because it doesn't conduct heat as easily as air, allowing windows that are insulated to reduce energy consumption and cost for homeowners over time. Apart from insulating it also helps in preventing frost during winter months and is compatible with any double-pane window design.
In contrast to the other noble gases, which are used to create neon lights and in some cases used as repairing window a fuel for nuclear reactors, argon has no Reactivity, and therefore it is not able to create compounds with other elements. This property, coupled with its plentiful availability and ability to evaporate quickly in an open space it makes argon the ideal choice for window insulation. It is used in the majority of luxury car tires, employed to insulate SCUBA dry suits, and incorporated into the windows of a lot of homes across America.
In their manufacturing process, window manufacturers include argon in double-paned windows. It is pumped between the panes to help stabilize the window and lessen condensation. It can be replaced along with other repairs. However, it is an intricate process that should not be attempted by homeowners who don't have the proper equipment.
A spacer with small holes around its perimeter traps gas between the glass panes. These holes may allow argon to escape when the seals of these windows fail. When this occurs, the insulated window will not serve its intended purpose. To keep the argon gas inside an insulated window, it's important to replace or repair any broken seals.
If the argon in your windows at home has become lost due to damaged seals, it is time for professional window repair near me. A professional can employ an instrument that is specifically designed to fill the gap with argon, replacing the damaged spacer and rebuilding the integrity of the seals. This service isn't available for insulated glass units that have Low-E coatings that must be replaced to maintain the energy efficiency of the window.