If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and are beginning to show signs of failing you might be wondering if they could be repaired.You may be able get your double glazing under warranty depending on the problem and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is cracked or broken air can enter more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and also against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the time of year. The cost of cooling and heating will rise.
If the crack in the double glazing isn't too deep, it might be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary solution however, and may only prevent the crack from getting worse. To ensure the most effective results, a professional window repair service should be contacted to fix any damaged glass that is present in double-glazed windows.
Attempting to replace a broken window pane by yourself can be challenging and potentially dangerous. If the crack is too big to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscross pattern before trying to remove it. If the crack is not too large, you can make use of a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. After the glass has been removed then place it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a replacement glass it is necessary to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. To ensure that your new glass is a good fit take a measurement of the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Have your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop according to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy glaziers points from a hardware shop to install on the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way that they allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty in place against the glass.
Once your new pane is in place, spread a thick layer of your chosen glazing compound with the help of a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putting such as Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame using the compound you choose. Smooth the compound over the new pane to ensure it is level and even.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around windows' frame or sash are a typical issue. This occurs when the window sealant has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window. They can also lead to damp or spongy walls that require to be restored as quickly as is possible.
A good quality double glazed window will have a gasket that firmly compresses when the sash is closed. Water that falls on this area should be drained through the weep holes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes become blocked due to dirt and debris. Or, the weather stripping could need to be replaced.
Another source of water leaks is the lintel that holds the bricks over the window. The people who built the house may not have understood that the lintel needs to be let to drain properly or they could have just put it in concrete and left a gap where rainwater can be able to enter and collect around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The builders should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
Another leak could be the gap between the glass panes of the double-glazed unit. A damaged seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most severe leaky window issue however, it could affect energy efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this situation double glazing replacement might be required. A professional can conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They can also advise if it is better to replace or repair the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's usually a simple solution. It is caused by an absence of air flow around the window and often is seen in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth investigating further.
Another sign of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is most likely because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem may cause mould over time, so it's recommended to have the window repaired promptly.
A professional inspection of your window for condensation is the most efficient way of dealing with this issue, since they can determine the best course of action. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between them, this will dry out any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is put back on.
Windowpane seals that fail are the primary cause of condensation issues in double glazing. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the seal is damaged, causing them to get clogged. If this happens, it is possible that simple fixes could assist, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.
The majority of double-glazed windows have spacer bars that sit between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that could be present, thereby keeping it out of the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this bar can sometimes crack or break and in this instance, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to carry out some Repairs to double glazed windows (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk) yourself if have the right tools, but it is generally better to employ an expert who is trained to do this for you. You'll save a lot of time and make sure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some type of guarantee for the work that is completed which you wouldn't get with DIY work.
Shattering
Double glazing is an amazing innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating costs, while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. However, it's not indestructible and occasionally problems can occur. These faults can be dangerous in some cases when they aren't addressed promptly.
If you spot any issues in your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it is important to fix them as quickly as you can. Problems like misting and leaks of water can affect the performance of windows and also cause them to look ugly.
Repairing double-glazed windows is typically cheaper than replacing them. If you spot any indications of problems with your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and asking for quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best option and ensure that the 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 composed of two glass panes with a space in between, and a rubber gasket which keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the home and saves you money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far cheaper for most households.
Based on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to simply repair the damaged part. This is typically the case if it's just developed a few minor cracks, but it isn't shattered. If the double-glazed windows are totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.
