Double Glazing Windows Repairs

Double glazing refers to the panes of glass that are placed inside the frame of a window or wall opening. The window glass can be damaged at times and require repairs.

If you've noticed condensation between your windows, or a visible draft, or if handles and hinges become difficult to open, it is a sign that your double glazing requires repair. This repair usually involves a reseal on the entire unit.

Broken Panes

Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air space between them filled with inert gasses such as argon and krypton. This helps keep heat in your home and blocks cold drafts from entering. Occasionally the windows can become damaged, and if this happens the entire window might require replacement. It is important that you call the company that sold you double glazing immediately if you notice cracks or chips appearing in the window.

A few steps can be taken to repair a broken window, however it is not recommended you attempt the repairs yourself unless you are an experienced DIYer. First you'll require gloves and carefully remove the broken pane. If it's cracked apply strips of masking tape across the cracked areas in a crisscross pattern. This will prevent the cracks from becoming worse over time, Double Glazing especially during the winter. It is also advisable to protect your work area with newspapers to stop any broken pieces from falling. Once the broken pane is removed then use a putty blade to scrape away any glazing putty or glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points using pliers. Then, apply an adhesive that quickly dries to coat the bare wooden surface.

Take measurements of the length and width of the channels that have grooves using the help of a tape. Subtract 1/8' from both measurements to allow for a slight movement of the new pane. Then, you can roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the channels that have grooves and slide the replacement glass in place. Tap gently with a drum at 6'' or intervals of 8 inches to help set the glass in place Be careful not to break the glass.

If you have a double glazing warranty, it's often worthwhile to try using this to avoid the cost of a replacement window. The warranty generally covers the cost of any component that you may require replacing or repair, Double Glazing as well as the cost of labour. It is essential to verify the specifics of your warranty as they will differ from one company to the next and you must know what is covered and until when.

Foggy Glass

Condensation between the panes in your double glazing can result in foggy glass. This can be due to a number of things including variations in temperature, poorly installed frames, or the ageing seals.

The good thing is that in most cases, this can be repaired easily by a skilled double glazing installer. You should contact the company who installed your windows right away if you find any issues. Follow up with a written response. This will make it easier if you need to contact them later on. It could also prove very helpful in the event that the issue is covered by your warranty or guarantee.

The best way to fix the fogging is by replacing the gasket seals - this can be done without having to replace the entire window unit, and will also help to keep your home energy efficient. To accomplish this the window glazier must remove any clips or strips that keep the IGU in place and then cut through the sealant using a saw.

Then they'll construct or buy a replacement IGU to fit the frame, and use specific sealants to ensure that it's airand water-tight. When they're done, they'll reinstall the clips or strips that hold it and apply more sealant to ensure it's secure.

If you're lucky, the misting will end after this. It's important that your frames are ventilated properly to prevent the build-up of moisture in your walls or ceilings.

Another issue that is frequently reported by double glazing owners is that their windows or doors become difficult to close and open This could be due to extreme weather conditions, or it could mean that the frame has sunk or sagged a bit over time, and isn't at a level with the rest of your home. If this is the case then you could try wiping down the frames with cold-water to shrink them a bit. However, this will not resolve the issue completely. If you're unable to resolve the problem, you may require the help of a professional to replace them.

Condensation

Condensation happens when the insulating gasses in double glazing windows fail to hold their place, leaving moisture and air between the panes. This is more common in winter as humidity levels are higher. However it can also occur at other times. Moisture can cause mould and mildew to develop around window frames, sealants and sills. It's not just unattractive, but it's also dangerous for your health. A window expert can usually seal condensation to decrease moisture and prevent moisture from building up in your home.

Window sealing, also known as window gaskets, are a critical part of any double glazing door or window. They help seal in the air that is insulated between the window glass and stop drafts, heat and moisture from entering your home. These gaskets may shrink or become brittle because of temperature fluctuations or weather conditions, as well as getting older. You might notice condensation on your double-glazed doors or windows.

This can be repaired, but will require replacing the "sandwich" (thermo-pane and glass) in your double-glazing window. It is recommended that unless you have the proper tools, you employ an expert to seal your double-glazed windows.

Mist between your double glazed windows is a common issue that can be difficult to fix. This indicates that the vacuum seal applied in the factory has failed, and there's no way to let dry air in or out of the window sandwich.

Professionals will reseal the window with the same method they would use to fix problems with condensation or fog. This typically involves removing the sandwich and spraying the cleaning agent on it, followed by sucking out the old sealing agent. It is important that you accurately measure the'sandwich' in length, width and thickness so that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.

This can be a tricky job and requires specialised tools that aren't commonly available in DIY stores. It's best to leave it to the professionals as incorrect seals can cause mold and dampness in your home which could be expensive and dangerous to your health.

Water Leaks

It's important to take action when you see water leaking from your double-glazed windows. A small leak can quickly become a major issue in the event that it is not addressed promptly.

Most of the time, the window frame itself can be to blame. Check to make sure the sill pan (the flat bottom portion of the frame) is designed to drain water away from your home, and not into the frame itself. If you notice that the sill pan isn't set correctly or you see water in the wood you should contact a double-glazing repair company.

Another common cause of water leaks is the window seal being damaged. This can be due to age damage, weather, or any other. This isn't an easy fix and should be left to the experts.

This can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. This can also allow cold air to enter your home during the winter and hot air to escape in summer. This can lead you to high heating and cooling costs.

It is simple to repair by applying a new layer of caulking. Although those who have DIY skills can do it themselves but it is generally better to have a double glazing expert handle the task. You will feel secure and have an assurance that the work was done properly.

Double-glazing windows can have warranties of up to 20 years. It is best to contact the company who sold you windows to determine what warranties they offer and for how long. This can save you the expense of having to replace your double-glazed windows at a later time. If you have an insurance policy on your double-glazed windows, it is essential to report any issues as quickly as possible. You can do this online or by contacting them directly. This information is useful if you need to use the warranty.