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 failing you may be wondering if they could be fixed.
Depending on what the problem is and the date you bought them from the store, you might be in a position to get your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged or cracked air can enter more easily. This reduces the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and also against the elements. This can allow hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the season. The cost of cooling and heating will increase.
If the crack in the double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to simply apply a strong-hold tape. This is only temporary fix and will just prevent the crack from getting more severe. To ensure the best results, a reputable window repair service should be contacted to fix any broken glass in your double glazed windows.
The process of replacing a damaged window pane by yourself can be difficult and risky. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large, you can use a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed then place it flat on several layers of newspapers to catch any pieces that might fall.
To install a new glass pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and prepare the frame. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to ensure that your new pane is a good fit. Have your replacement glass cut at a local hardware store or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wood frames, buy some points for glaziers from 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 with the glass.
Spread a thick layer using the blade of a putty maker after your new pane has been installed. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser-priced product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the frame and the new pane using the compound you choose. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level around the pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around windows' frame or sash are a common problem. This occurs when the sealant on windows has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks around the window could damage the plaster or drywall and lead to damp walls.
A good double glazed window will have a gasket that will firmly compress when the sash is closed. Any water that gets into this area must be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, however, the weep holes are blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window may require replacement.
The lintel above the window can also be the source of leaks. The people who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly or they could have just covered it with concrete, leaving an opening where rainwater could enter and pool around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure that water is directed properly. This will prevent water getting into the building.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be the cause of leaks. A worn 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 the most severe leaky window issue it can affect energy efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this situation replacement double glazing might be a good idea. A professional will conduct an exhaustive assessment and let you know the source of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They will be able to tell you whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They can also provide an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a very common problem in older double glazed doors and windows, but it can be easily fixed. This is caused by a lack of air circulation around the window and often is seen in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. However, if window repair near me persists, it is worth looking further.
You can also hear water drip. This is usually due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could also lead to mold in the long run, so it is best to have the window repaired as soon as you can.
A professional can examine your window and suggest the best solution. Professional companies will remove the glass that is affected and blow hot air between the two panes. This will eliminate any remaining moisture and ensure that a good seal will be reapplied.
The windowpane seals failing are the primary cause of condensation problems with double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the window seal is damaged and they begin to become cloudy. Simple fixes may aid, but the most effective solution is to replace the windows.
Most double glazed windows have a'spacer' bar that sits between the two glass panes. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and prevents it from getting into the glass. However, this spacer bar may break or crack and in this instance, it is usually required to replace the entire window.
You can repair some of the issues yourself with the right 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 correctly and with the highest quality. A reputable tradesperson will also provide you with a warranty on the work they have done that you wouldn't get if you were to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that lets homeowners save on heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It isn't impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise occasionally. In some instances, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed quickly enough.
If you spot any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it is important to fix them as soon as possible. Faults such as misting and leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and also cause them to look ugly.
It's often more cost effective to repair your double-glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you've noticed any indications of problems with your double glazing, it's worth looking for local companies that specialize in the repair of double-glazed windows and getting quotes. Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the most effective and ensure that your chosen company offers a warranty with their work.
When a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes, with an opening in between and a rubber gasket which prevents water from leaking into the gap. Certain IGUs contain the gas argon. It keeps heat from leaving the house and helps save money 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 more cost-effective for a lot of households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged pane. This is usually the case if it's just developed a few minor cracks, but it isn't shattered. If the double-glazed window has completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.