Watch Out: How Repairs To Double Glazed Windows Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Watch Out: How Repairs To Double Glazed Windows Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Blog Article
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and are beginning to show signs of failing, you might be wondering if they are able to be fixed.
Depending on what the issue is and how long ago you bought them from, you may be in a position to get your double glazing replaced under warranty.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged or cracked air can flow through more easily. This reduces the effectiveness of the window as an insulation and protects against the elements. Based on the season it can allow warm or cold air to escape or enter your home, causing an increase in the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack in the double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary solution, though, and it may only prevent the crack from growing. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass that has been smashed on your double-glazed windows.
It could be risky and difficult to replace a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp and hold, try putting strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to use 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 newspapers to catch any fragments that might fall.
To install a replacement glass it is necessary to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. To ensure that your new pane is properly fitted take a measurement of 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 according to this measurement at a local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, purchase points for glaziers from a local hardware store to place them along the edge of your new glass. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
After your new pane is in place then spread a thick layer of your chosen glazing compound using a putty knife. Make use of a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a cheaper product such as Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame you can fill them in with the compound you choose. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure it is level and even all around your pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around windows' frame or sash can be a frequent issue. This happens when the window sealant is damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window and also result in damp or moldy walls that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A double-glazed window of good quality will come with a gasket that compresses firmly when the sash is closed. Any water that comes into the area should be drained away via the weep holes located in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can become blocked due to dirt and other debris. Also, the weather stripping could need to be replaced.
The lintel above the window could also be a source of leaks. The builders who built the house might not have realized the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they could have covered it in concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater can enter and accumulate, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The installers should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed windows 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. While this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows, it will impact on efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this situation double glazing replacement might be necessary. A professional can conduct an extensive evaluation and identify the source of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They can also advise if it is better to repair or replace the window. They will also be able to provide you a price for any necessary work.
Condensation
Condensation is a very common issue with older double-glazed windows and doors, but this can usually be easily corrected. This is due to the lack of air flow around the windows. It is common in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of water droplets forming on the glass's surface. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem persists it's worth looking further.
You can also hear water drip. This is likely because of a damaged seal between the two panes of glass. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts entering your home. This type of issue can cause mold over time, so it is best to get the window repaired promptly.
Having a professional examine your window for condensation is the most effective approach to tackling this problem, as they can recommend the correct method of action. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between them, this will dry out any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.
Failing windowpane seals are the primary cause of condensation issues with double glazing. Cool air gets into double-paned windows when the window seal is damaged and they begin to fog up. Simple fixes may help, but the best solution to this problem is to replace the windows.
A spacer bar is typically located between the glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs 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 make some repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it is usually better to hire someone who has been trained to do this. This will not only save you a huge amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest possible quality. A trusted tradesman will also provide you with a warranty for the work completed that you wouldn't receive if you tried to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is a revolutionary product that allows homeowners to reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. But it's not impervious to damage and from time to time problems can occur. In some instances the faults could be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
If you find any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family in danger, it is important to fix them as soon as you can. Problems like misting and leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and cause them to look ugly.
Repairing double-glazed windows is typically more cost-effective than replacing them. So, if you have noticed any signs of problems with your double glazing, consider looking for local companies that specialize in the repair of double glazed windows and getting estimates. The lowest price may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose to work with offers the guarantee of their work.
If a double-glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). It is made up of the two glass window repairs panes, a gap between them, and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from seeping into the gap that acts as an insulation. Certain IGUs also contain a gas like Argon that helps to prevent heat from getting out of your home, thereby cutting down on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs has been damaged, an alternative pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for the majority of households.
Based on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to simply repair the damaged window. This is usually the case if it's only developed a few small cracks, but is not damaged. If the double-glazed window has completely broken, it is recommended to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.