Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If window repairs have recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to show signs that they are in danger, you might wonder whether they are able to be fixed.
You may be able get your double glazing under warranty based on the issue and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window pane becomes damaged or cracked it allows air to move more easily, which reduces the windows' efficiency as insulation and barrier against the elements. This can allow cold or hot air to enter your home depending on the season. The cost of cooling and heating will increase.
If the crack is not too deep, you may be able to use an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is only a temporary solution however, and it may only prevent the crack from growing. A reputable window repair service can fix any broken glass on your double-glazed windows.
It can be dangerous and difficult to replace a window pane on your own. If the crack is large and difficult to get rid of, you can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing design. If the crack is not too large it is possible to employ a slicing tool to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. After removing the glass and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
In order to install a replacement pane you'll need to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Then, have the replacement glass cut according to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wooden frames, you can purchase points for glaziers from a hardware store to place them along the edge of your new pane. Be sure to install the points in a way that will allow expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.
After the new pane has been placed then spread an even layer of your preferred glazing compound using the help of a putty knife. Make use of a linseed-oil-based glue like Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If there are gaps between your new pane and the frame, fill them in with the compound you choose. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is level and even around the pane.
Water Leaks
The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that happens when the window sealant has degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks in the window could damage the plaster or drywall and can cause damp walls.
A good double glazed window has a gasket that firmly compresses when the sash is shut. Water that falls on this area should be drained out through the weepholes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep hole may be blocked by dirt and other debris. The weather stripping may need replacing.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel that holds the bricks above the window. The installers who built the house may not have understood that this lintel must be allowed to drain properly, or they could have merely covered it with concrete, leaving a gap where rainwater can get in and build up around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will stop water from getting into the structure through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be a cause of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't a particularly serious issue with leaky windows, it will impact on efficiency and must be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case double glazing replacement could be required. A professional will conduct a full evaluation and reveal the cause of the leak. They can also suggest solutions. They will also help you decide whether it is better to replace or repair the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, this is typically an easy solution. It is caused by an absence of air circulation around windows and is common in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the glass surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. These droplets will rapidly disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it's worth looking further.
There is also the sound of water drip. This is most likely due to a broken seal between the two panes of glass. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended since it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could cause mould over time, so it's best to have the window repaired as soon as you can.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most effective method of tackling this problem, as they will be able to determine the best procedure to take. Professional companies will remove the affected glass and then blow hot air between the two panes. This will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure that a good seal is reapplied.
Double glazing condensation is caused by faulty windowpane seals. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the seal fails and causes them to fog up. If this happens it is possible that simple fixes could aid, but in most cases the best solution is to replace the window.
A spacer bar can be located between the two glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is stuffed with desiccant that absorbs any moisture that might occur, thus keeping it out of the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may break or crack, and in this case it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if you have the appropriate tools, but it's normally better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. This will not only save you a great amount of time, it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired properly and of the highest possible quality. A reliable tradesman will provide you with a guarantee for the work completed that you could not get if you were to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that allows homeowners to reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. However, it isn't indestructible and occasionally issues can arise. In some cases, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could be putting your family at risk it is essential to have them fixed in the earliest time possible. Problems like misting and water leaks can damage the effectiveness of the windows, and can leave them looking unsightly.
It's often cheaper to fix your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you've noticed any indications of issues with your double glazing, you should consider searching for local companies that specialize in the repairs of double-glazed windows and requesting quotes. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the most effective and make sure that the company has a warranty on their work.
A double-glazed window will be sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is comprised of the two glass panes, the space between them, and the rubber seal that stops water from leaking into the gap that acts as an insulation. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the home and saves money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, a replacement can be bought from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the whole window and is much more cost-effective for most households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it may be possible to fix the damaged part. This is usually the case if it has only developed a few small cracks, but it isn't broken. If your double-glazed window is completely cracked and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.