Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you may wonder whether they could be repaired.
Depending on the issue is and when you bought them from the store, you might be in a position to get your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's pane is damaged or cracked it allows air pass more easily, lowering the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and a barrier against the elements. This can allow hot or cold air to enter your home depending on the season. The cost of cooling and heating will rise.
If the crack is not too deep, you may be able to apply a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is a temporary fix however, and it may only prevent the crack from becoming worse. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass that has been smashed on double-glazed windows.
It is risky and difficult to repair windows on your own. If the crack is too big to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscross pattern before trying to take it off. If the crack is not too large it is possible to make use of a razor to cut the glass away from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed and laid flat, you can place it on many layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a new glass pane, you will need to purchase replacement glass and prepare the frame. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that your new pane will fit properly. Then have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at a local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, purchase glaziers' points at hardware stores to put along the edges of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner that they allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
Spread a thick layer using the blade of a putty maker after the new pane has been installed. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser-priced product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill in any gaps between the new pane and frame using the compound you choose. Smooth the compound on the new pane to ensure it is even and level.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around a window's frame or sash can be a frequent problem. This occurs when the sealant on windows has deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can cause damp or moldy walls that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which is firmly compressed when the sash closes. Any water that hits this area must be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes become blocked due to dirt and debris. Also, the weather stripping may need replacing.
The lintel on top of the window can be an area of leaks. Installers who built the house may not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or they may have clad it in concrete, which left a gap in which rainwater can enter and accumulate, and cause dampness or rot to the wood. The installers could have bent fascia boards over the windows to ensure that water is directed properly. This will prevent water getting into the building.
Another leak source is the gap that exists between the glass panes in a double-glazed unit. It is possible that argon or krypton gas that should be positioned between the glass panes to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows because of an old seal. While this isn't the most severe leaky window issue it can affect efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this case double glazing replacement could be required. A professional can conduct an extensive evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They will also be able advise whether it is advisable to repair the window or replace it completely. They can also provide an estimate for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation is quite a common problem in older double glazed windows and doors, but it is usually easily solved. This is caused by the lack of air circulation around the window and often is seen in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. The most evident sign of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass's surface. These droplets will quickly disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists, it is worth looking further.
It is also possible to hear water drip. This is likely because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound, then repair is highly recommended as it will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may also lead to mould in time, so it's best to get the window repaired as soon as you can.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most effective way of dealing with this issue, since they can recommend the correct method of action. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane and then pipe hot air into the space between the two, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a quality seal is reapplied.
The windowpane seals failing are the main cause of condensation issues with double glazing. Cool air gets into double-paned windows when the window seal breaks and they begin to fog up. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution is to replace the windows.
Most double glazed windows have a'spacer' bar that sits between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that may occur, thus preventing it from reaching the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can crack or break, and in this case it is often required to replace the entire window.
It is possible to carry out repairs yourself if you have the right tools, but it's normally better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. This will not just save you a good deal of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and with the highest quality. Employing a reputable tradesperson could also mean you receive some type of guarantee for the work done which you wouldn't get with DIY work.
Shattering
Double glazing is a revolutionary product that allows homeowners to reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It's not impervious to damage and problems can arise periodically. In some cases, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
If you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family members in danger It is crucial to fix them as soon as you can. Issues such as misting or water leaks can reduce the performance of windows and also cause them to look ugly.
It is often far cheaper to repair your double-glazed windows than to replace them entirely. If you notice any signs of trouble in your double glazing, it's worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and getting quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best choice and make sure that the firm offers a guarantee on their work.
A double-glazed window will be sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is comprised of two glass panes, a space between them and the rubber seal that stops water from leaking into the gap that acts as an insulation. Some IGUs also contain a gas such as argon, which helps keep heat from getting out of your home, thus saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, it is possible to purchase a replacement from a window maker and then put on the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for a large number of households.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass based on the type of frame and the condition of the window. This is usually the case if it's just developed a few minor cracks, but it isn't broken. If the double-glazed windows are completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.