On average, the shelf life of glass is from 15 to 30 years. However, at some point, it is common for glass to experience a few problems. It's safe to assume you will need residential glass repair at one point or another.
For instance, if your window has massive cracks, a residential window repair makes practical sense. However, how do you figure out if glass needs repair if there are no glaring cracks? The following are foolproof signs it's time for a residential glass repair:
1. Water is seeping between the glass panels.
If you notice water entering your house during a rainy day, it is highly likely that glass repair is needed. Ideally, your door and glass windows should stop torrents from entering your house.
If water comes in through the glass, there is a possibility the glass pane is loose, or there are chips that are obscured from view. In similar cases, the solution would be to either repair or replace the glass, depending on how extensive the damage is.
Left unattended, water that comes into your home might lead to additional problems like molds and rot. That said, get in touch with your local glass repair expert at the first sign of water damage.
2. The glass no longer provides ambient noise protection.
A good door or glass window should be able to protect you from ambient and external noise. Sounds from outside the house can be disruptive. This is especially true if you work from home.
If your glass windows or doors no longer provide any protection from outdoor noise, likely, it has not been sealed properly. Another possibility? You have poorly-made and low-quality residential glass.
If you reside in a busy and noisy neighborhood, a double or triple pane glass is considered ideal. Those types of glass have been known to help decrease external noise significantly.
3. The glass panes often get too foggy.
It is normal for glass panes to get foggy now and then. When warm air hits the cold air, condensation can occur on the glass and windows. If you notice that your windows cloud up more than usual, it's safe to assume there's a problem.
Glass windows that are working accordingly can keep the draft outside effectively. Foggy glass panes often mean there is a gap somewhere. This can also happen to glass tables or mirrors.
In this case, it is recommended that you check with residential glass repair experts and have them inspect the problem. Some experts might recommend replacing your glass with a stain-free and energy-efficient type.
Understandably, you would have to pay extra up front. However, the long-term savings are worth it. If anything, it's an investment that will eventually pay for itself.
4. The heating and cooling costs are higher.
If you notice that your heating and cooling costs are higher than usual, there are two possibilities: you either have a faulty HVAC that needs to be replaced, or you have a non-insulating glass window.
Over time, glass windows become less energy-efficient. Non-glazed and low-quality ones can cause air to flow freely. It can also block the ambient temperatures from quickly passing through.
The more cold or heat radiates from outside, the less efficient your indoor systems can become. When this occurs, your heating and cooling system would need to work more. Taxing your HVAC system can lead to more energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Check if you can remedy the situation by adding curtains or blinds. If there is no improvement, a residential glass repair is the next logical step. Opt for energy-efficient glass windows and doors because they are designed to minimize ambient heat and cold.
Low-e glass and glazed windows with Argon and Krypton are also excellent and cost-effective options. They can save you a significant amount in the long run.
5. Glass windows and doors become harder to operate.
If your windows or doors at home become hard to operate, a glass repair might be necessary. This problem can be attributed to several factors. For instance, if you have a sliding shower door, this can be caused by a squeaky frame or a broken rail.
If you encounter a similar scenario at home, it is recommended that you check with a glass repair expert as soon as possible. It is also likely that you are not merely dealing with faulty window frames but a faulty installation as well.
As a general rule of thumb, have your glass inspected by a professional before attempting to replace it. A professional can get to the root of the problem right away and can recommend solutions that can fix any glass issues for good.
Over to You
While it can be tempting to fix any residential glass issues on your own, it is still ideal to invest in the services of an expert. Apart from fixing the problems accordingly, they can also recommend options that are durable and can save you money in the long run.
