Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing you might be wondering if they can be repaired.
You may be able get your double glazing under warranty depending on the problem and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window pane becomes cracked or broken it allows air to flow more easily, reducing the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the time of year, this can cause warm or cold air to enter or escape your home, increasing the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack in your double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to apply a strong-hold tape. This is temporary fix and will just stop the crack from getting worse. To ensure the most effective results, a professional window repair company is required to fix any damaged glass in your double glazed windows.
window repairs near me of replacing a damaged window pane yourself is difficult and risky. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large, you can keep it in place and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. After the pane has been cut, you will need to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.
To install a replacement glass you'll need to prepare the frame and buy replacement glass. To ensure that the new pane is properly fitted you must measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Get your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, you can purchase glaziers' points at hardware stores to put on the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
Spread a thick layer with a putty blade once the new pane has been installed. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue such as Sarco or a lesser product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame using the compound you choose. Smooth the compound on your new pane to ensure it is level and even.
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 around windows could damage the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.
A double-glazed window that is of good quality will have a gasket which is firmly compressed when the sash closes. Water that falls on the area should be drained through the weepholes in the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can be blocked by dirt and other debris. The weather stripping might need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel that is a support for the brick that is over the window. The builders who constructed the house may not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or they could have clad it in concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater could get in and then accumulate, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The installers could have bent fascia boards over the windows to ensure water is directed properly. This will prevent water entering the building.
Another leak could be the gap that exists between the glass panes in the double-glazed unit. A damaged seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. Although this is not the most serious problem with leaky windows but it could have a negative impact on energy efficiency. It should be addressed in the shortest time possible. In this case replacing double glazing could be the best option. A professional will conduct an exhaustive assessment and identify the source of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They'll be able to tell you whether it is appropriate to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also provide an estimate for any work that is needed.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, however this can usually be easily corrected. This is due to the lack of air flow around windows and is common in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of droplets of water appearing on the glass's surface. 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 water drip. This is usually due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended since it will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may also lead to mould in time, so it's recommended to have the window repaired promptly.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most effective way of dealing with this issue, as they can determine the best procedure to take. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will eliminate any remaining moisture and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by windowpane seals. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the window seal fails and they begin to become cloudy. If this occurs it is possible that simple fixes will help, but in many instances, the best option 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 filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that may be present, thereby keeping it out of the glass panes, causing condensation. Unfortunately, this bar may crack or break and in this situation, it is often necessary to replace the entire window.
You can make some repairs yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it's more common to hire a professional who is skilled in doing 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 highest quality. A reputable tradesperson will also provide you with a guarantee on the work done, which you would not receive if you tried to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. But it's not impervious to damage and from time to time issues can arise. These faults can be dangerous in some cases when they aren't addressed promptly.
If you spot any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family members in danger, it is important to fix them as soon as you can. Faults like misting and water leaks can reduce the efficiency of windows and cause them to look unsightly.
Repairing double-glazed windows is usually cheaper than replacing them. If you spot any indications of trouble with your double glazing, it's worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and asking for quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best option and ensure that your chosen company offers a warranty with their work.
When a double glazed window is sold, it will be contained inside 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 prevents water from leaking into the gap. Certain IGUs contain Argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is normally far cheaper than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for most households.
Depending on the kind of window you have and the condition of the frame, it may be possible to simply repair the damaged part. If the glass has developed just a few tiny chips, but has not broken, that's usually the case. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.