Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your home and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you might be wondering if they can still be fixed.
You might be able to get your double glazing covered under warranty depending on the problem and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is damaged or cracked it allows air flow more easily, reducing the effectiveness of windows as insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the season, this can cause hot or cold air to escape or enter your home, causing an increase in heating and cooling costs.
If the crack isn't too deep, you may be able to use an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is temporary fix, and may only stop the crack from getting more severe. A reputable window repair service can fix any broken glass on double-glazed windows.
Removing a damaged window pane yourself can be challenging and potentially dangerous. If the crack is large and difficult to get rid of Try applying strips of masking tap in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack isn't too large, you can hold it steady and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. Once the pane is free you must place it flat on several layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.
In order to install a replacement pane, you'll need to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. To ensure that the new pane fits properly you must measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware store or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wood frames, buy some points for glaziers from a hardware store to install along the edges of your new pane. Make sure to place the points in a position that allows for expansion and contraction while keeping the putty level against the glass.
Spread a thick layer using the blade of a putty maker after your new pane has been installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If you notice any gaps between your new pane and the frame then fill them in using the chosen compound. Smooth the compound around your new pane to make sure it is even and level.
Water Leaks
The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a frequent issue that can occur when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster around the window. They can also result in damp or spongy walls that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which compresses firmly when the sash is closed. The water that is absorbed by this area must be drained out through the weepholes of the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes become blocked due to dirt and other debris. Or, the weather stripping could need to be replaced.
The lintel above the window can also be the source of leaks. The people who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel must be let to drain properly or they could have just put it in concrete and left an opening where rainwater could be able to enter and collect around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in 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 getting into the structure 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 provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious problem with leaky windows but it could have an impact on energy efficiency. It is important to address the issue as quickly as possible. In this case, double glazing replacement may be required. A professional can complete a full evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They will also help you decide whether it is better to fix or replace the window. They will also be able to provide you a price for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's usually an easy fix. This is due to the lack of air flow around the windows. It is common in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident sign of condensation is droplets of water appearing on the glass's surface. These droplets will rapidly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. However, if the problem persists, it's worth looking further.
Another indication of condensation is when you hear water drippy. This is most likely due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will stop cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem can also lead to mould over time Therefore, it is recommended to get the window fixed as soon as possible.
A professional will inspect your window and suggest the best option. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the space between them, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is reapplied.
Failing windowpane seals are the main cause of condensation problems with double glazing. When the window seal fails, it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them to fog. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes could help, but in many cases the best solution is to replace the window.
The majority of double-glazed windows have a'spacer' bar that sits between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that could be present, thereby preventing it from reaching the glass panes and causing condensation. This spacer bar is prone to breaking or cracking and it's often necessary to replace the entire window.
You can do some repairs yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it is more common to hire a professional who is trained to do this. You will save a lot of time and ensure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A trusted tradesman will also offer a guarantee for the work completed that you wouldn't get if you attempted to repair it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. However, it's not indestructible and, from time to time, problems can occur. In certain instances the faults could be dangerous if not addressed quickly enough.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk, then it's important to have them fixed as soon as you can. Issues like misting and water leaks can reduce the performance of windows and make them look ugly.
It is often far more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you see any indications of trouble with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double glazed window repairs and requesting estimates. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose offers the guarantee of their work.
When 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 panes, a space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from seeping into the insulating gap. Certain IGUs contain Argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged an alternative 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 cost-effective for a lot of households.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass dependent on the kind of frame and condition of the window. This is typically the case when it has just developed a few minor cracks, but it isn't damaged. If the double-glazed window has completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.