Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they're beginning to show signs of failure, you may be wondering if they are able to be fixed.
You may be able to claim your double glazing repaired under warranty based on the issue and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is damaged or cracked it allows air flow more easily, reducing the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and a barrier against the elements. Depending on the season, this can cause hot or cold air to enter or escape your home, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating.
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 could only stop the crack from growing. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass that has been smashed on your double-glazed windows.
The process of replacing a damaged window pane by yourself can be challenging and potentially dangerous. If the crack is too big to grasp and hold, try putting strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large to be able to keep it in place and use a razor blade to cut it away from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. When the pane is cut free it is necessary to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that may fall.
To install a new pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and then prepare the frame. To ensure that the new pane fits properly take a measurement of the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware store or glass shop according to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy some glaziers' points at an hardware store to place on the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush against the glass.
Spread a thick layer using a putty knife after your new pane has been installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser product like Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame you can fill them in with the chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound so that it is level and even around the pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a typical issue. This occurs when the window sealant has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks around windows could damage the drywall or plaster and can cause damp walls.
A double-glazed window that is of good quality will have a gasket which compresses firmly when the sash closes. Water that falls on this area must be drained out through the weep holes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes become blocked due to dirt and other debris. Also, the weather stripping could need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel that holds the bricks over the window. The installers who built the house may not have understood that this lintel must be allowed to drain properly or they may have simply clad it with concrete leaving gaps that allow rainwater to get in and build up around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.
Another possible leak source is the gap that exists between the glass panes of the double-glazed unit. A damaged seal could have caused argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most severe leaky window issue, it will impact on efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this instance replacing double glazing could be the best option. A professional can complete an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They'll also be able advise whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also be able to provide you a price for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's generally an easy solution. This is due to an absence of air circulation around the windows and occurs in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the glass surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. These droplets will rapidly disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it's worth looking into further.
It is also possible to hear 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 you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can cause mold over time, so it's recommended to fix the window as quickly as possible.
Having a professional examine your window for condensation is the most efficient way of dealing with this problem, as they will be able to suggest the best procedure to take. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is put back on.
Windowpane seals that fail are the primary cause of condensation problems with double glazing. Cool air gets into double-paned windows when the window seal fails and causes them to become cloudy. Simple fixes may aid, but the most effective solution is to replace the windows.
The majority of double-glazed windows have a'spacer' bar that sits between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar contains desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and blocks it from getting into the glass. This bar is susceptible to cracking or breaking, and it's usually 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 correctly and with the best quality possible. Using a trusted tradesman can also mean that you get some kind of assurance for the work that is completed that you can't get from a DIY job.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. It is not indestructible and problems can arise periodically. In some cases these flaws could be dangerous if they are not addressed quickly enough.
If you find any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family members in danger, it's important to fix them as quickly as possible. Faults like misting and leaks of water can affect the performance of windows and make them appear ugly.
Repairing double-glazed windows can be cheaper than replacing them. If you've noticed any indications of trouble with your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies that specialise in the repairs of double-glazed windows and getting estimates. The lowest price may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose to work with offers a guarantee with their work.
When a double glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). It is made up of the two glass panes, a space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from leaking into the insulating gap. Certain IGUs contain the gas argon. It prevents heat from escaping the home and saves you money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then you can purchase a replacement from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for a lot of households.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass depending on the kind of frame and condition of your window. This is typically the case when it has just developed a few minor cracks, but it isn't damaged. If the double-glazed window is completely shattered then it is recommended to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.