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 may be able get your double glazing covered under warranty based on the issue and the date you purchased it.

Broken Panes

If a window's pane is cracked or broken it allows air flow more easily, reducing the effectiveness of windows as insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the season this could cause warm or cold air to flow into or out of your home, window doctor increasing the cost of cooling and heating.

If the crack in your double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to simply apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary fix however, and will only stop the crack from growing. A professional window repair company can repair any broken glass on double-glazed windows.

It is risky and challenging to replace 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 remove it. If the crack is not too large it is possible to use a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. Once the pane is free, you will need to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that may fall.

To install a new pane, you'll need to purchase replacement glass and then prepare the frame. To ensure that your new pane fits properly, measure the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware or glass shop according to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy glaziers points from a hardware shop to install along the edge of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.

Once your new pane has been placed and you are happy with it, apply a thick layer of your chosen glazing compound with a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putting like Sarco, or a cheaper product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the frame and pane using the compound you choose. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level all around your pane.

Water Leaks

The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common problem that occurs when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can cause damp or moldy walls that require to be fixed as soon as is possible.

A good double glazed window will come with a gasket which is able to compress when the sash is shut. Water that falls on this area should be drained through the weep holes in the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes become blocked by a build-up debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

Another source of water leaks is the lintel which supports the brick over the window. The installers who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly, or they could have merely clad it with concrete leaving gaps that allow rainwater to be able to enter and collect around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that water is directed properly and 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 a source of leaks. It is possible that the gas argon or krypton that should be between the glass to create insulation has escaped from the windows due to a worn out seal. Although this isn't a particularly serious issue with leaky windows however, it could affect energy efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this instance double glazing replacement might be required. A professional can conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They will also help you decide if it is better to replace or repair the window. They can also provide an estimate for any work that is required.

Condensation

Condensation is a very common issue with older double-glazed windows and doors, but it is usually easily corrected. This is due to an absence of air circulation around the windows and occurs in kitchens and bathrooms. The most obvious evidence of condensation is the appearance of water droplets forming on the glass surface. These droplets will rapidly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. However, if the problem persists it is worth investigating further.

Another sign of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is most likely due to a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may cause mold over time, so it's recommended to have the Window doctor repaired promptly.

A professional can inspect your window and recommend the best option. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the space between the two. This will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is reapplied.

The windowpane seals failing are the main reason for condensation problems with double glazing. When the window replacement seal fails it allows cool air to get into double-paned glass windows, causing them to fog. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes will help, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.

A spacer bar can be located between the glass panes in most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and blocks it from reaching the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes break or window doctor crack, and in this case it is typically required to replace the entire window.

It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if have the appropriate tools, however it is normally better to hire an experienced professional to carry out this for you. This will not only save you a great amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired properly and of the highest possible quality. A reputable tradesperson will also provide you with a guarantee on the work they have done that you wouldn't receive if you tried 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 isn't indestructible and from time to time problems can occur. These faults can be dangerous in certain instances when they aren't addressed quickly.

Therefore, if you have noticed any problems with your double glazing that could put your family at risk, then it's important to fix them in the earliest time possible. Issues like misting and leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and make them look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is usually cheaper than replacing them. So, if you've noticed any signs of trouble with your double glazing, consider researching local companies that specialise in the repair of double glazed windows and getting quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best choice and make sure that the company offers a warranty with their work.

Double-glazed windows are sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is comprised of the two glass panes, a gap between them, and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the gap that acts as an insulation. Certain IGUs also contain a gas, such as argon that helps to keep heat from getting out of your home, thereby saving you on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs is damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for many households.

Depending on the type of window you have and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to fix the damaged pane. If the glass has formed only a few tiny chips, but hasn't shattered, this is usually the case. If your double-glazed Window Doctor is completely cracked and is cracked, then it's best to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.