Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you recently installed double glazing in your home and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you may wonder whether they could be fixed.
You may be able get your double glazing covered under warranty based on the issue and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is cracked or broken it allows air flow more easily, reducing the windows' efficiency as insulation and protection against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will increase.
If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to apply a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is temporary fix and will just stop the crack from becoming more severe. To ensure the best results, a professional window repair company should be contacted to fix any damaged glass that is present in your double glazed windows.
It is risky and difficult to repair windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscross pattern before trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large that you can hold it steady and use a razor blade to cut it off from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. When the pane is cut free it is necessary to place it flat on a few layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.
To install a replacement glass you'll need to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 - 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that your new pane will fit correctly. Have your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wood frames, purchase points for glaziers from an hardware store to place along the edges of your new pane. Be sure to install the points in a position that allows for expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flat against the glass.
Spread a thick layer of it with a putty knife after your new pane is installed. 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 frame and pane with your chosen compound. Smooth the compound on the new pane to ensure it is level and even.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a typical issue. This happens when the window sealant has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks around the window can damage the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.
A good quality double glazed window has a gasket that will firmly compress when the sash is shut. The water that enters the area should be drained through the weepholes in the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes get blocked by a build-up dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window might need to be replaced.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel that supports the brick over the window. The people who built the house may not have realized that this lintel must be let to drain properly or they may have simply covered it with concrete, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter and pool around the window, creating dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will prevent water from entering the building through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be a cause of leaks. It's possible that the gas argon or Krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation has escaped of the windows because of the seal being worn out. Although this isn't the most serious issue with windows that leak but it could affect energy efficiency. It should be addressed as soon as is possible. In this instance, double glazing replacement may be required. A professional can perform a full evaluation and let you know the cause of the leak. They can also suggest solutions. They will also be able advise whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also provide an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation may be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it is generally an easy fix. This is due to a lack of air flow around the window and often is seen in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. The most evident indication of condensation is droplets of water appearing on the glass surface. These droplets will quickly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists, it is worth looking further.
Another indication of condensation is if you can hear water dripping. This is most likely because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound, then repair is highly recommended since it will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem can also lead to mold in the long run, so it is best to have the window repaired when you can.
A professional inspection of your window for condensation is the most effective way of dealing with this issue, as they can determine the best procedure to take. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two. This will evaporate any remaining moisture and ensure a quality seal is applied.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to enter double-paned glass windows, making them fog. If this happens it's possible that simple fixes can aid, but in most cases the best solution is to replace the window.
A spacer bar can be located between the glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is a source of desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and blocks it from reaching the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes crack or break and in this instance, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to complete repairs yourself if you have the appropriate tools, but it's usually better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. This will not only save you a great deal of time, but it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired properly and of the best quality possible. Employing a reputable tradesperson could be a good idea as it will give you some form of guarantee for the work that is completed that you would not get from DIY work.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. It isn't impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise occasionally. These faults can be dangerous in certain instances if they are not corrected promptly.
If you spot any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it's important to fix them as soon as you can. Faults like misting and water leaks can compromise the effectiveness of windows and cause them to look unsightly.
It's often cheaper to fix your double glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you notice any signs of trouble with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repair s and requesting estimates. The lowest price may not be the best option. Make sure that the company you choose offers an assurance on their work.
When a double-glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). This is what consists of two glass panes, a space between them, and a rubber seal that keeps water from getting into the gap that acts as an insulation. Some IGUs also contain a gas, such as Argon that helps to prevent heat from escaping your home, thus saving you 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 usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for many households.
It could be possible to repair the damaged pane depending on the type of frame and the condition of your window. If the glass has formed only a few small chips, but has not shattered, this is usually the case. If the double-glazed windows are totally broken, it's recommended to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.