Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to show signs that they are failing, you might be wondering if they can still be fixed.

Depending on what the problem is and the date you purchased them the store, you might be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window's pane is damaged or cracked it allows air to move more easily, which reduces the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the season it can allow cold or hot air to flow into or out of your home, increasing the cost of cooling and heating.

If the crack in your double glazing is not very deep, it may be possible to apply a strong-hold tape. This is only a temporary solution however, and it could only stop the crack from getting worse. A reputable window repair service can repair any broken glass on double-glazed windows.

It could be risky and challenging to replace windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to employ a slicing tool to remove the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the pane is free you must lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.

To install a new pane you'll need to purchase replacement glass and set up the frame. To ensure that the new pane fits properly take a measurement of the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wooden frames, buy points for glaziers from a hardware shop to install along the edge of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.

Spread a thick layer of it with a putty knife after your new pane has been installed. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue such as Sarco, or a cheaper product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level all around your pane.

Water Leaks

Water leaks in a window's frame or sash can be a frequent issue. This occurs when the window sealant has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks around the window can damage the drywall or plaster and cause damp walls.

A good quality double glazed window will have a gasket that is able to compress when the sash is shut. Any water that comes into this area must be drained out through the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes become blocked by a build-up debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

The lintel above the window can also be a source of leaks. The installers who built the house may not have understood that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly or they could have just covered it with concrete, leaving an opening where rainwater could enter and pool around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The builders should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will stop water from getting into the structure through these gaps.

Another potential leak could be the gap between the glass panes of the double-glazed unit. It is possible that the gas argon or krypton that should be between the glass panes to provide insulation has escaped out of the windows because of the seal being worn out. Although this isn't the most serious leaky window problem it can affect energy efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance, double glazing replacement may be required. A professional can conduct an extensive evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and suggest a solution. They can also tell you if it is better to replace or repair the window. They can also provide an estimate for any work needed.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's usually an easy solution. This is due to the lack of air flow around the window, and typically happens in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens. The most obvious sign of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass's surface. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists it is worth investigating further.

There is also the sound of water drip. This is most likely caused by a leak in the seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound, then a repair is highly recommended since it will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue can cause mould in the long term, so it is best to fix the window as soon as possible.

A professional can examine your window and recommend the best option. Professional companies will remove the glass affected and blow hot air between the two panes. This will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.

Failing windowpane seals are the main cause of condensation issues with double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to get into double-paned glass windows, causing them to fog. If this happens it's possible that simple fixes could assist, but in many cases the best solution is to replace the window.

A spacer bar can be located between the glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant that absorbs any moisture and blocks it from reaching the glass. The spacer bar is susceptible to breaking or cracking, and it's usually necessary to replace the entire window.

You can make some repairs yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it is usually better to hire someone who is skilled in doing this. 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 best quality possible. Employing a reputable tradesperson could be a good idea as it will give you some form of guarantee for the work that is completed which you wouldn't get with DIY work.

Shattering

Double glazing is an ingenuous product that allows homeowners to reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. It isn't impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise from time to time. In some cases, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.

As such, 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 possible. Issues such as misting or water leaks can damage the performance of windows and cause them to look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows can be more cost-effective than replacing them. If you see any indications of problems with your double glazing, it's worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double glazed window repairs and requesting estimates. Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best choice and ensure that your chosen company offers a warranty with their work.

A double-glazed window will be sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is made up of two glass panes, the space between them and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the insulating gap. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the home and saves money on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs has been damaged, it is possible to replace the pane purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for many households.

It is possible to repair the damaged pane depending on the frame type and condition of your window. This is typically the case if it's only developed a few tiny cracks, but it isn't shattered. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window repairs sash.