How To Get Better Results From Your Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to show signs that they are in danger, you might wonder whether they could be repaired.
You might be able to get your double glazing repaired under warranty depending on the problem and the date you purchased it.
Broken Panes
If a window pane becomes cracked or broken it allows air pass more easily, lowering the windows' efficiency as insulation and protection against the elements. Depending on the season, this can cause warm or cold air to flow into or out of your home, increasing the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack isn't too deep, you may be able to utilize an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is a temporary fix however, and it may only prevent the crack from becoming worse. A professional window repair service can fix any broken glass on double-glazed windows.
It could be risky and challenging to replace a window pane on your own. If the crack is extensive and difficult to remove You can try applying strips of masking tap in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack is not too large, you can use 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 several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a new glass pane, you will need to purchase replacement glass and then prepare the frame. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to make sure that your new pane is a good fit. Get your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy points for glaziers 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 flush with the glass.
Spread a thick layer of it with a putty blade once your new pane has been installed. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If you notice any gaps between your new pane and the frame then fill them in using the chosen compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure it is level and even all around your pane.
Water Leaks
The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that can occur when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks around windows could damage the plaster or drywall and can cause damp walls.
A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which compresses firmly when the sash is closed. Water that falls on this area should be drained through the weepholes in the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can become blocked due to dirt and other debris. Or, the weather stripping might need to be replaced.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel, which supports the brick over the window. The people who built the house may not have understood that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly, or they may have simply covered it with concrete, leaving an opening where rainwater could be able to enter and collect around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure water is directed correctly. This will stop water entering the building.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed windows could also be a source of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most serious leaky window problem however, it could affect energy efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this situation double glazing replacement might be required. A professional will conduct a full evaluation and identify the source of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They'll be able to tell you whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They can also give you an estimate for any work needed.
Condensation
Condensation may be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it is usually a simple solution. It is caused by the lack of air circulation around the window and often happens in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens. The most obvious indication of condensation is droplets of water appearing on the glass's surface. These droplets will evaporate quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth investigating further.
There is also the sound of the sound of water drip. This is most likely due to a broken seal between the two panes of glass. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can also lead to mould over time, so it's recommended to get the window repaired as soon as you can.
A professional can examine your window and recommend the best option. Professional companies will remove the affected glass and then blow hot air between the two panes. This will eliminate any remaining moisture and ensure that a high-quality seal is reapplied.
Failing windowpane seals are the primary cause of condensation issues in double glazing. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the window seal breaks, causing them to fog up. Simple fixes can help, but often the most effective solution is to replace the windows.
Most double glazed windows have spacer bars that sit between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that could occur, therefore stopping it from getting to the glass panes, causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack and in this instance, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.
You can do some repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it's usually better to hire someone who is trained to do this. This will not only save you a great deal of time, but it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired properly and of the best quality possible. A reputable tradesperson will also provide you with a warranty on the work done, which you would not get if you attempted to do it yourself.
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 issues can occur periodically. In some instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not dealt with promptly enough.
As such, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk it is essential to have them fixed as soon as you can. Issues such as misting or water leaks can damage the performance of windows, and can cause them to look ugly.
Repairing double-glazed windows can be cheaper than replacing them. So, if you have noticed any signs of issues with your double glazing, you should consider searching for local companies that specialize in repairs for double glazed windows and asking for estimates. The lowest price may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose offers a guarantee with their work.
Double-glazed windows are sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is comprised of two glass panes, a space between them and the rubber seal that stops water from seeping into the insulating gap. Some 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 put on the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for a large number of households.
It may be possible to repair the damaged glass based on the type of frame and the condition of your window. This is usually the case if it's only developed a few small cracks, but it isn't broken. If the double-glazed window has totally broken, it's recommended to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.