10 Things Competitors Teach You About Repairs To Double Glazed Windows

Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and are beginning to show signs of failing, you might be wondering if they can be repaired.

You may be able to claim your double glazing under warranty based on the issue and the date you purchased it.

Broken Panes

If a window's glass is damaged or cracked it allows air pass more easily, lowering the effectiveness of windows as insulation and protection against the elements. This can allow cold or hot air to enter your home depending on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will increase.

If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to use an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is a temporary fix however, and may only prevent the crack from becoming worse. To get the most effective results, a professional window repair service is required to fix any broken glass in your double glazed windows.

Removing a damaged window pane yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is too big to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack is small enough, you can hold it steady and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the pane is free, you will need to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.

To install a new pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and prepare the frame. To ensure that the new glass is a good fit you must measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Then have your replacement glass cut to this measurement at your local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wood frames, buy some points for glaziers from an hardware store to place around the edges of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty flush against the glass.

After the new pane is in place then spread an even layer of your preferred glazing compound with a putty knife. Make use of a linseed-oil-based glue like Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Smooth the compound around your new pane to make sure it is even and level.

Water Leaks

The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that can occur when window sealant has become degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster surrounding the window and also result in damp or spongy walls that require to be restored as quickly as is possible.

A double-glazed window of good quality has a gasket that expands with force when the sash closes. Water that falls on this area should be drained out through the weepholes in the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes get blocked by a build-up of debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel which is a support for the brick that is above the window. The builders who built the house might not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they could have covered it with concrete leaving a gap that rainwater could get in and then get trapped, and cause dampness or rot to the wood. The builders should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will prevent water from entering the building through these gaps.

Another potential leak source is the gap between the glass panes in the double-glazed unit. A damaged seal could have caused gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows however, it could have a negative impact on energy efficiency. It should be addressed in the shortest time possible. In this situation, replacement double glazing may be appropriate. A professional can complete an extensive evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They will also be able advise whether it is advisable to fix the window or replace it completely. They will be able to also give you a price for any necessary work.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it is generally a simple solution. This is caused by the lack of air flow around the window, and typically is seen in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. The most obvious indication of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass's surface. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth investigating further.

Another sign of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is usually 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 cause mould in the long term, so it is best to fix the window when you can.

Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the best approach to tackling this issue, as they can recommend the correct course of action. Professional firms will take off the glass that is affected and blow hot air between the two panes. This will evaporate any remaining moisture and guarantee that a high-quality seal will be reapplied.

The windowpane seals failing are the primary cause of condensation issues in double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them fog. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes can assist, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.

A spacer bar is usually found between the two glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that could be present, thereby stopping it from getting to the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes crack or break and in this situation, it is usually necessary to replace the entire window.

You can make some repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. This will not just save you a good amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and with the highest possible quality. A reliable tradesman will provide you with a warranty on the work they have done that you could not get if you attempted to do it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is an amazing innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It's not impervious to damage, and issues can occur periodically. In some cases these flaws could be dangerous if they are not addressed quickly enough.

If you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family members at risk it is essential to have them fixed as soon as possible. Issues like misting and leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and make them look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is typically more cost-effective than replacing them. If you spot any indications of trouble in your double glazing it is worth looking into local companies that specialize in double glazed window repairs and asking for quotes. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose has the guarantee of their work.

Double-glazed windows are sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). This is what consists of the two glass panes, a space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from seeping into the insulating gap. Some IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, a replacement can be bought from a window manufacturer, and then installed on the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for a lot of households.

Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to repair the damaged window. If the glass has developed only a few small chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the situation. If the double-glazed window is completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.