Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you might be wondering whether they could be repaired.
Depending on what the problem is and when you purchased them You may 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 decreases the effectiveness of the window as an insulation and protects against the elements. Depending on the time of year it can allow warm or cold air to enter or escape your home, which can increase heating and cooling costs.
If the crack is not too deep, you might be able to use a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is a temporary fix however, and will only stop the crack from becoming worse. To get the most effective results, a professional window repair service should be called to repair any damaged glass that is present in your double glazed windows.
The process of replacing a damaged window pane by yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is substantial and difficult to remove You can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack is not too large, you can make use of a razor to remove the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. After removing the glass then place it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that might fall.
To install a replacement pane, you'll need to prepare the frame and buy replacement glass. To ensure that your new glass is a good fit take a measurement of the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Then, have the replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, buy some glaziers' points at an hardware store to place on the edges of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
After your new pane is in place then spread an even layer of your glazing compound with the help of a putty knife. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a cheaper product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the frame and pane with your chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level around the pane.
Water Leaks
The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common issue that happens when window sealant has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can damage the drywall and plaster around the window. They can also result in damp or moldy walls that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
A high-quality double-glazed window will come with a gasket which is able to compress when the sash is shut. Any water that comes into this area must be drained away through the weep holes located in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can be blocked due to dirt and debris. The weather stripping may need replacing.
The lintel on top of the window can be a source of leaks. The installers who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel must be let to drain properly or they could have just clad it with concrete leaving an opening where rainwater could be able to enter and collect around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure water is directed correctly. This will prevent water getting into the building.
Another potential leak could be the gap that exists between the glass panes of a double-glazed unit. A damaged seal could have caused the argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be in 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 energy efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this case replacement double glazing might be appropriate. A professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They can also tell you if it is better to repair or replace the window. They will also be able to give you a quote for any necessary work.
Condensation
Condensation is quite a common issue with older double-glazed windows and doors, but it can be easily solved. This is caused by a lack of air flow around the window, and typically occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. These droplets will rapidly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists, it's worth looking further.
There is also the sound of water drip. This is likely due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. repairs to double glazed windows (repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.uk) are highly recommended if you hear this sound. This will stop cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem can also lead to mold in the long run, so it is best to fix the window when you can.
A professional will inspect 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 evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure that a good seal is reapplied.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them to fog. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution is to replace the windows.
A spacer bar can be located between the two glass panes in most double-glazed windows. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that might occur, thus stopping it from getting to the glass panes, causing condensation. Unfortunately, this bar can sometimes crack or break, and in this case it is typically required to replace the entire window.
You can repair some of the issues yourself with the right tools. However, it's generally better to hire a professional who is trained to do this. You'll save lots of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired properly. A reliable tradesperson can be a good idea as it will give you some form of guarantee for the work that is completed that you can't get from DIY jobs.
Shattering
Double glazing is a wonderful innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It's not impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise from time to time. In certain instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not addressed quickly enough.
If you spot any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family in danger, it's important to address them as quickly as possible. Issues such as misting or water leaks can damage the performance of windows, and can cause them to look ugly.
It is often far more cost effective to repair your double-glazed windows than it would be to replace them completely. If you notice any signs of trouble with your double glazing it is worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and requesting quotes. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose offers a guarantee with their work.
If a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed within an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). It is made up of the two glass panes, a space between them and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from leaking into the insulating gap. Some IGUs also contain a gas like Argon that helps to prevent heat from escaping your home, thus saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, it is possible to replace the pane purchased from a window manufacturer and fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far cheaper for most households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged part. If the glass has formed only a few small chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the situation. If your double-glazed window has completely broken and is cracked, then it's best to replace the entire glass unit as well as the window sash.