Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to begin to show signs of failing, you may wonder whether they could be repaired.
You may be able to claim your double glazing covered under warranty, based on the issue and when you bought it.
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 a barrier against the elements. This could cause cold or hot air to enter your home based on the time of year. The cost of cooling and heating will rise.
If the crack in your double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to simply apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary fix however, and could only stop the crack from getting worse. To ensure the most effective results, a professional window repair service is required to fix any damaged glass in double-glazed windows.
Removing a damaged window pane yourself can be difficult and risky. If the crack is extensive and difficult to eliminate, you can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack isn't too large, you can make use of a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the pane is free you must lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that 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 you must measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Then, you can have your replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, purchase points for glaziers at hardware stores to put on the edges of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush against the glass.
Spread a thick layer with the blade of a putty maker after your new pane is installed. Make use of a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a lesser-priced product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the new pane and frame using the compound you choose. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level all around your pane.
Water Leaks
The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a frequent problem that occurs when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks around the window can damage the drywall or plaster and cause damp walls.
A good quality 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 away via the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes become blocked due to dirt and debris. The weather stripping could need to be replaced.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel, which supports the brick above the window. The builders who constructed the house might not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or have covered it with concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater could enter and get trapped, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The builders may have an angled fascia board above the windows to ensure water is directed correctly. This will stop water getting into the building.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be a source of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most severe leaky window issue it can affect efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case double glazing replacement might be necessary. A professional can conduct a full evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They will also help you decide whether it is best to replace or repair the window. They will be able to also give you a quote for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, however it can be easily fixed. This is caused by an absence of air flow around the window and often is seen in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of droplets of water forming on the glass's surface. These droplets will evaporate quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth looking further.
You can also hear water drip. This could be because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you hear this sound. This will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem may also lead to mould in time, so it's best to fix the window as quickly as possible.
A professional inspection of your window for condensation is the most effective approach to tackling this problem, as they will be able to recommend the correct procedure to take. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane and then pipe hot air into the space between the two. window repairs will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is put back on.
Double condensation in the glazing is caused by windowpane seals. When the window seal fails, it allows cool air to enter double-paned glass windows, causing them fog. 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 spacer bars that sit between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that may be present, thereby preventing it from reaching the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may crack or break and in this instance, it is usually required to replace the entire window.
It is possible to do repairs yourself if you have the right tools, but it is usually better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. You will save a lot 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 type of guarantee for the work carried out which you wouldn't get with DIY jobs.
Shattering
Double glazing is a revolutionary product that allows homeowners to reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. However, it's not indestructible and, from time to time, problems can occur. In some instances these flaws could be dangerous if not addressed quickly enough.
If you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could be putting your family at risk, then it's important to have them fixed as soon as you can. Faults such as misting and leaks of water can affect the effectiveness of the windows and also make them look unattractive.
It's usually cheaper to repair your double-glazed windows than to replace them completely. So, if you have noticed any signs of problems with your double glazing, you should consider researching local companies that specialise in the repairs of double glazed windows and requesting estimates. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Be sure that the company you choose to work with offers a guarantee with their work.
A double-glazed window will be sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes, with an opening in between and a rubber gasket which keeps water from leaking through the gap. Some IGUs also contain a gas like argon that helps to keep heat from escaping your home, thereby saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, you can purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for most households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it may be possible to repair the damaged part. This is typically the case if it has only developed a few tiny cracks, but has not damaged. If your double glazed window has completely broken, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit as well as the window sash.