10 Things We Love About Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you may wonder whether they could be fixed.
Depending on what the problem is and when you purchased them the store, you might be in a position to get your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is cracked or broken air can flow through more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and against the elements. Depending on the season it can allow warm or cold air to escape or enter your home, causing an increase in the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to utilize a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is temporary fix, and may be able to stop the crack from becoming worse. To ensure the best results, a reputable window repair company should be called to repair any damaged glass in double-glazed windows.
The process of replacing a damaged window pane by yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is extensive and difficult to remove, you can try applying strips of masking tap in a crisscrossing design. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to make use of a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed then place it flat on many layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that might fall.
To install a new pane you'll need to buy replacement glass and prepare the frame. To ensure that the new pane fits properly you must measure the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware or glass shop according to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy glaziers points from a hardware store to place them on the outside of your new glass. Position the points so they can allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty in place against the glass.
Spread a thick layer with the blade of a putty maker after your new pane is installed. window repairs near me can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame, fill them in with your chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level around the pane.
Water Leaks
The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common problem that occurs when window sealant has become degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window. They can also lead to damp or spongy walls that require to be fixed as soon as is possible.
A good double glazed window will come with a gasket which will firmly compress when the sash is shut. Any water that comes into this area should be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes get blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel which holds the bricks over the window. The people who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly or they may have simply clad it with concrete leaving an opening where rainwater could be able to enter and collect around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.
Another possible leak could be the gap that exists between the glass panes in the double-glazed unit. It is possible that argon or krypton gas that should be positioned between the glass panes to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows because of an old seal. Although this is not the most serious issue with windows that leak but it could have a negative impact on energy efficiency. It should be addressed as quickly as possible. In this situation, double glazing replacement may be required. A professional can complete a full evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest a solution. They can also tell you whether it is better to fix or replace the window. They will be able to also give you a quote for any necessary work.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, this is typically an easy solution. It is caused by the lack of air flow around windows and is common in areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. These droplets will evaporate quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth looking further.
Another indication of condensation is if you hear water drips. This is most likely because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This kind of issue can also lead to mould in the long term It is therefore recommended to fix the window as soon as you can.
A professional can inspect your window and recommend the best solution. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between them, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is applied.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by defective windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to get into double-paned glass windows, making them fog. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution to this problem is to replace the windows.
The majority of double-glazed windows feature an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two glass panes. This spacer bar contains desiccant that absorbs any moisture and stops it from getting into the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may break or crack, and in this case it is usually required to replace the entire window.
It is possible to carry out some repairs yourself if you have the appropriate tools, however it is normally better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. This will not just save you a good amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest possible quality. A reliable tradesperson can be a good idea as it will give you some kind of assurance for the work that is completed that you can't get from DIY jobs.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It's not impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise occasionally. In certain instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not dealt with promptly enough.
If you spot any issues in your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it's crucial to fix them as soon as you can. Problems such as misting or water leaks can reduce the effectiveness of windows and cause them to look unsightly.
It is often far more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you've noticed any signs of issues with your double glazing, it's worth looking for local companies that specialize in repairs for double-glazed windows and asking for estimates. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose has an assurance on their work.
If a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed within an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes that have an opening in between and a rubber gasket which keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs also contain a gas like Argon that helps to prevent heat from escaping your home, thereby conserving energy.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, it is possible to purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for a lot of households.
It may be possible to repair the damaged glass based on the type of frame and the condition of the window. If the glass has developed only a few tiny chips, but has not damaged, this is typically the case. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's recommended to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.