Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing could develop issues. For instance it can be difficult to open windows or have a door that snags. Fortunately, these problems can be fixed with ease.
Many homeowners attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to experts. It's risky to fix these issues without the right tools and understanding.
Broken Panes
A damaged or broken window can be a stressful and a hassle. It could let cold or hot air into your home, and create a gap that allows in debris or moisture. It also reduces the efficiency of your energy bills, as your AC and furnace will have to perform more to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the season and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you may be able to repair the damage with silicone sealant. However, a permanent fix will require expert assistance.
A cracked window can be repaired with high-quality tape. A piece of tape positioned over the crack will stop it from escalating. A crack that is large enough to penetrate the glass or is too big to cover with tape, will require to be replaced completely.
A pet's excitement when you open the door can cause broken glass. The frames of your window can shift over time and break the plastic that holds the glass sheets.
When you have a broken glass pane, put on thick gloves and place a cardboard box nearby to catch the shards. Then, remove the frame's sash and work on a flat surface, such as a table. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in glass fragments.
Once the old glass is removed, clean any varnish or paint that is on the frame of the window. You can use a heatgun to soften the old glazing putty or even the metal points which held the glass in position.
Then, you can measure the opening of a new glass. To allow for expansion and contraction you should always purchase the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. You can ask your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these dimensions.
Once you have the glass, put it in the frame. If there are any gaps, fill them with silicone caulk, which you can purchase at a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty blade. Add glaziers' points to the corners and frames of the glass about every six inches to ensure that the pane is securely held in place.
Condensation
If your double glazing windows are old or new, it's fairly common for them to develop condensation. This is especially true in winter when colder air collides with warm glass. It could be a problem but it is not usually a big problem. This is because condensation on windows actually indicates that your double glazing is functioning properly.
However, it could be a sign that the seal is not working and water is flowing through the crack between your window panes. If you notice a milky appearance on your window or if water beads appear on its surface, this issue needs to be addressed to stop the growth of mould, mildew, or further damage.
Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill tiny holes in the window's frame to let the moisture trapped to escape. The process is known as defogging. It can also help to remove any stains caused by trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the underlying issue of a failing window seal. In fact, it might not be able to do so even if the condensation is gone, since the damaged air between the panes remains. This could mean that you will still not get as much heat insulation from your windows as you would like to.
It's important to consult an expert as soon as you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They could suggest an option such as putting in vents to windows that let fresh air in but not allowing warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't would like is for your double-glazed unit to fail, particularly when it's costly to replace. With the right skills, equipment and knowledge, you can repair your double-glazed window to keep it in good condition for many years. If you need repair work on your double glazing, contact us today to discuss how we can assist. We provide a variety of services ranging from replacing one or several panes of glass that has been tempered to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a big problem as it means that there is a possibility of damp ingress which can cause damage. It can be costly to fix and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. It is crucial to fix any leak as fast as possible.
If you feel a draught coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely the seal inside the sealed unit has broken. This could also indicate that the gas used to insulate the glass panes has gone out. This can be fixed by a specialist technician who will seal the window.
Sometimes dirt can cause a double-glazed window to become cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that the seal is getting worn out and the glass should be cleaned. A specialist can do this by using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.
If condensation forms between the two panes in your double glazing, it is an indication that the seal is not sealing properly and there isn't any argon between the glass. This is a serious issue and indicates that your double glazing is no longer effectively insulating your home, in the way it should. The glass can be replaced, but you'll have to do it earlier rather than later due to the performance of your double-glazed window has been impacted.
If you have brand new double glazed windows that are under guarantee, you should contact the company that installed them and inform them of any issues with the units or the sealing of the glass since it is not likely to be covered by the warranty. If you attempt to play with the units or attempt to repair them yourself then this will invalidate your guarantee, so you should leave the repairs to professionals. This is the reason we suggest using a specialist double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
In areas that experience extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame that can keep the glass panes. Ice snow, high winds and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. Get a professional's help to repair double glazing if you see cracks, dents, or read more holes.
If you notice that water is running down the sides of the window, it may be a sign that the seal on the inside is cracked and allows water into your home. The uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could be bending or warping. To fix this issue, you'll have to replace the window seal and re-insert it into the frame.
Window seals are used to ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from leaving your home, as well as preventing condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically made of uPVC, aluminum or timber and keep the glass in place. When window seals fail to fail, you could experience problems such as draughts, energy loss and misted windows.
Misting windows are a common issue and are due to the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window failing. The argon gasses keep the glass in place, and form an airtight seal however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gas can escape. The argon gas may cause condensation between the glass panes in the event that it escapes.
The problem can be solved by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to avoid any further condensation. It is recommended to hire professionals to do the work for you.
While it is essential to have double-glazed windows, they aren't immune to abrasions and will need to be repaired at times. Fortunately, many windows can be restored without the need for replacement. It is best to have a few basic tools on hand. You'll need a an insulated glove, a tape transparent film, or scotchtape, nail polish, and a plastic sheet.