Why Nobody Cares About Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you've recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you may wonder if they can still be repaired.
Depending on what the issue is and the date you purchased them, you may be in a position to get your double-glazed windows replaced under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is cracked or broken, it allows air to flow more easily, reducing the effectiveness of windows as insulation and a barrier against the elements. Depending on the season this could cause hot or cold air to enter or escape your home, increasing heating and cooling costs.
If the crack in your double glazing is not very deep, it may be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is only temporary fix, and could just stop the crack from getting more severe. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass on double-glazed windows.
It can be dangerous 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 fashion prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to make use of a razor to remove the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the glass is removed and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a new pane you will need to purchase replacement glass and then prepare the frame. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that the new pane will fit correctly. Then, have the replacement glass cut according to this measurement at a local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, you can purchase glaziers' points at an hardware store to place on the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush against the glass.
Spread a thick layer using a putty knife after your new pane has been installed. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser-priced product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the frame and pane with your chosen compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure it is level and even around the pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a common problem. This happens when the window sealant has deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window and also cause damp or moldy 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. The water that is absorbed by this area should be drained out through the weepholes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep hole may be blocked by dirt and debris. The weather stripping could need to be replaced.
The lintel that is above the window can also be the source of leaks. The builders who constructed the house may not have understood that this lintel must be allowed to drain properly, or they could have merely clad it with concrete leaving a gap where rainwater can get in and build up around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that water is directed correctly and this will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be the cause of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused the argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most severe leaky window issue, it will impact on energy efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case, double glazing replacement may be necessary. A professional will conduct an exhaustive assessment and identify the cause of the leak. They can also recommend solutions. They will also help you decide if it is better to replace or repair the window. They will be able to also give you a price for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation is quite a common issue with older double-glazed doors and windows, but it can be easily solved. This is due to a lack of air flow around the window, and typically happens in rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the glass surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem persists it's worth investigating further.
You can also hear the sound of water drip. This is most likely due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could cause mold over time, so it's best to get the window repaired as quickly as possible.
A professional can examine your window and recommend the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the space between them, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a quality seal is applied.
Double condensation in the glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the window seal fails, causing them to fog up. Simple fixes may help, but the best solution to this problem is to replace the windows.
A spacer bar is typically found between the two glass panes in most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that might be present, thereby stopping it from getting to the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may break or crack and in this situation, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.
You can make some repairs yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. This will not only save you a great amount of time, it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired properly and of the highest quality. A trusted tradesman will also offer a guarantee on the work they have done that you could not get if you were to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. However, it isn't indestructible and occasionally issues can arise. In some cases these flaws could be dangerous if not addressed quickly enough.
If you find any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family members in danger, it's important to fix them as soon as possible. Faults such as misting and water leaks can damage the effectiveness of the windows, and can leave them looking unsightly.
It's often cheaper to repair your double glazed windows than to replace them entirely. So, if you have noticed any signs of trouble with your double glazing, consider searching for local companies that specialize in the repairs of double-glazed windows and getting estimates. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the best choice and make sure that the firm offers a guarantee on their work.
When a double-glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes, with an area between them, and a rubber gasket which prevents water from leaking into the gap. Some IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs has been damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and fitted to the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for a large number of households.
Depending on the kind of window you have and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to repair the damaged part. If the glass has formed only a few tiny chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the case. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.