Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing, you may be wondering if they are able to be fixed.

Depending on what the issue is and when you purchased them You may be able to get your double-glazed windows replaced under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window pane becomes damaged or cracked, it allows air to pass more easily, lowering the effectiveness of windows as insulation and a barrier against the elements. Depending on the time of year it can allow cold or hot air to escape or enter your home, causing an increase in the cost of cooling and heating.

If the crack is not too deep, you may be able to utilize a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is only temporary fix and could just stop the crack from getting more severe. To ensure the best results, a professional window repair (www.borderpeaceschool.or.kr) company is required to fix any damaged glass in your double glazed windows.

The process of replacing a damaged window pane by yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is too big to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to remove it. If the crack is not too large, you can use a razor to cut the glass away from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. After removing the glass and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspapers to catch any pieces that may fall.

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

After your new pane has been placed then spread a thick layer of your preferred glazing compound using the help of a putty knife. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue such as Sarco or a lesser product like Dap glazing compound. Fill in any gaps between the frame and pane using the compound you choose. Smooth the compound over your new pane to make sure it is level and even.

Water Leaks

The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical problem that occurs when window repairs sealant has deteriorated and requires replacement. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window and also lead to damp or spongy walls that require to be repaired as soon as possible.

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

Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel which holds the bricks over the window. The builders who built the house may not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or have clad it in concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater could enter and pool around and cause dampness or rot to the wood. The builders may have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure water is directed properly. This will stop water from getting into the building.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be a cause of leaks. A worn seal could have caused gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows it can affect efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance replacement double glazing might be appropriate. A professional will conduct an extensive evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and recommend solutions. They can also tell you whether it is best to replace or repair the window. They will also be able to give you a price for any necessary work.

Condensation

Condensation is a very common issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, however it is usually easily fixed. It is caused by the lack of air flow around windows and is common in areas like kitchens or bathrooms. The most evident indication of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass surface. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. However, if the problem persists, it's worth looking further.

Another indicator of condensation is if you hear water drips. This is likely due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem may cause mold in time, so it's best to have the window repaired as quickly as possible.

A professional can inspect your window and recommend the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a good seal is applied.

Double condensation in the glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air into double-paned glass windows, making them to fog. If this occurs it is possible that simple fixes will assist, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.

A spacer bar is usually located between the glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is stuffed with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that might occur, therefore keeping it out of the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can break or crack, and in this case it is often 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 has been trained to do this. You'll save a lot of time and make sure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A reliable tradesperson can also mean that you get some type of guarantee for the work carried out that you would not get from DIY work.

Shattering

Double glazing is a fantastic invention that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It isn't impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise periodically. In some cases, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed quickly enough.

If you find any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it is important to fix them as quickly as you can. Problems such as misting or leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and make them look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is typically cheaper than replacing them. If you've noticed any indications of problems with your double glazing, consider researching local companies that specialise in repairs for double-glazed windows and asking for quotes. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose has a guarantee with their work.

A double-glazed window will be sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes, with an area between them, and a rubber gasket which keeps water from leaking through the gap. 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 IGUs is damaged, an alternative pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for a large number of households.

Depending on the type of window you have and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged part. If the glass has formed only a few tiny chips, but has not shattered, this is usually the case. If the double-glazed window is completely broken, it is recommended to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.