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 might be wondering if they could be repaired.
Depending on what the problem is and how long ago you bought them from the store, you might be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window pane becomes cracked or broken it allows air to pass more easily, lowering the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and protection 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 isn't too deep, you may be able to use an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is a temporary fix however, and it may only prevent the crack from getting worse. A professional window repair service can repair any broken glass on your double-glazed windows.
It is risky and difficult to repair a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack is small enough to be able to keep it in place and use a razor blade to remove it from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. Once the glass is removed and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that might fall.
To install a replacement pane you'll need to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. To ensure that your new pane fits properly take a measurement of the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, purchase points for glaziers from a local hardware store to be positioned along the edge of your new pane. Place the points in a way they can allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
After your new pane is set, spread a thick layer of your chosen glazing compound using the help of a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill in any gaps between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. 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 typical problem. This happens when the window sealant is deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks around the window could damage the drywall or plaster and lead to damp walls.
A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which compresses firmly when the sash closes. The water that enters this area should be drained through the weep holes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep hole may be blocked by dirt and other debris. The weather stripping could need to be replaced.
The lintel on top of the window could also be a source of leaks. The builders who constructed the house may not have understood that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly, or they may have simply clad it with concrete leaving gaps that allow rainwater to 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 stop water from getting into the building.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be a cause of leaks. A worn seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious problem with windows that leak, it will affect energy efficiency. It should be addressed in the shortest time possible. In this instance, replacement double glazing may be a good idea. A professional can perform a full evaluation and identify the source of the leak. They can also suggest solutions. They can also tell you if it is better to fix or replace the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation may be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it's usually an easy solution. This is due to a lack air flow around the windows and occurs in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. These droplets will evaporate quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth looking further.
Another indication of condensation is when you hear water drippy. This is usually caused by a leak in the seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then a repair is highly recommended since it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can also lead to mould in time, so it's recommended to get the window repaired promptly.
A professional can inspect your window and recommend the best solution. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane and then pipe hot air into the space between the two, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a good seal is reapplied.
Double glazing condensation is caused by windowpane seals. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the window seal is damaged, causing them to fog up. If this occurs it is possible that simple fixes can aid, but in most cases the best solution is to replace the window.
The majority of double-glazed windows feature a'spacer' bar that sits between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar contains desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and stops it from reaching the glass. The spacer bar is susceptible to breaking or cracking and it's usually necessary to replace your entire window.
You can repair some of the issues yourself using the correct tools. However, it is usually better to hire someone who has been trained to do this. This will not just save you a good amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired properly and of the best quality possible. A reliable tradesman will offer a guarantee on the work done that you wouldn't get if you attempted to do it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is a revolutionary product that lets homeowners save on heating costs while keeping their homes warm. However, it isn't indestructible and from time to time problems can occur. In some instances the faults could be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
As such, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could be putting your family members in danger, then it's important to have them fixed in the earliest time possible. window repairs near me like misting and water leaks can damage the performance of windows and also make them look unattractive.
It's usually cheaper to repair your double-glazed windows than it would be to replace them completely. So, if you have noticed any signs of problems with your double glazing, it's worth looking for local companies that specialize in the repair of double-glazed windows and asking for estimates. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Be sure that the company you choose to work with offers the guarantee of their work.
If a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). This is what consists of two glass panes, the space between them and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the gap that acts as an insulation. Some IGUs also contain a gas like argon that helps to keep heat from escaping your home, therefore saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs has been damaged, it is possible to replace the pane purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the whole window and is far more affordable for the majority of households.
Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged pane. If the glass has developed only a few tiny chips, but not been broken, that's usually the case. If your double glazed window has completely broken and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.