Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to begin to show signs of in danger, you might wonder whether they are able to be fixed.
Depending on what the problem is and how long ago you purchased them the store, you might be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is broken or cracked air can flow through more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation and protects against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will rise.
If the crack in the double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary fix, and could just stop the crack from getting worse. A professional window repair company can repair any damaged glass on your double-glazed windows.
Attempting to replace a broken window pane yourself is tricky and dangerous. If the crack is substantial and difficult to get rid of Try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing design. If the crack is small enough that you can keep it in place and use a razor blade to remove it from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. When the pane is cut free you must place it flat on a few layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.
To install a new glass pane, you will need to purchase replacement glass and prepare the frame. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Have your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop according to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, purchase glaziers' points at a hardware store to install on the edges of your new pane. Be sure to install the points in a manner that allows for expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty level against the glass.
After the new pane is set and you are happy with it, apply an even layer of your preferred glazing compound with a putty knife. Make use of a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a lesser-priced product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the frame and the new pane using the appropriate compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level all around your pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around a window's frame or sash are a typical problem. This occurs when the window sealant has deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can cause damp or spongy walls that require to be restored as quickly as possible.
A double-glazed window of high quality will have a gasket which compresses firmly when the sash closes. Any water that comes into this area should be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes are blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris, or the weather stripping around the window could need to be replaced.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel that holds the bricks above the window. The builders who constructed the house may not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they may have covered it with concrete, which left a gap in which rainwater could enter and get trapped, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The builders should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the water is directed correctly and this will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be the cause of leaks. It is possible that the gas argon or Krypton that should be positioned between the glass panes to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows due to an old seal. Although this isn't a particularly serious issue with leaky windows however, it could affect energy efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this case, double glazing replacement may be necessary. A professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They can also advise whether it is best to fix or replace the window. They will be able to also give you a quote for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, but this can usually be easily corrected. This is due to the lack of air flow around windows and is common in kitchens and bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth looking further.
There is also the sound of the sound of water drip. This is most likely because of a damaged seal between the two panes of glass. If you hear this sound, then repair is highly recommended as it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem can also lead to mould in the long term, so it is best to have the window repaired as soon as you can.
A professional inspection of your window for condensation is the best way of dealing with this issue, since they will be able to determine the best procedure to take. Professional firms will take off the affected glass and then blow hot air between the two panes. This will eliminate any remaining moisture and guarantee that a quality seal is applied.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by windowpane seals. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air into double-paned glass windows, causing 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 a'spacer' bar that sits between the two glass panes. The spacer bar is a source of desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and stops it from reaching the glass. However, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack and in this situation, it is usually necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to carry out some repairs yourself if have the right tools, but it is usually better to hire a trained professional to do this for you. You will save a lot of time and make sure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A trusted tradesman will also 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 lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. However, it's not indestructible and occasionally problems can occur. In some instances these flaws could be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
If you notice any problems with your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it's crucial to fix them as quickly as you can. Problems such as misting or leaks of water can affect the performance of windows and make them appear ugly.
It's usually cheaper to repair your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. So, if you've noticed any indications of problems with your double glazing, you should consider researching local companies that specialise in the repairs of double-glazed windows and getting estimates. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the best option and ensure that your chosen company has a warranty on their work.
When a double glazed window is sold, it will be contained in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes, with a space in between, and a rubber gasket which prevents water from leaking into the gap. Certain IGUs also contain a gas such as argon that helps to keep heat from getting out of your home, thus saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for a lot of households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to simply repair the damaged part. If the glass has developed only a few small chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the situation. If your double glazed window has completely shattered and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit and the window sash.