Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently had double glazing Dorking glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failure, you might be wondering if they can be repaired.

Depending on what the problem is and when you bought them from, you may be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window pane becomes cracked or broken it allows air pass more easily, lowering the effectiveness of windows as insulation and protection against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will rise.

If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to utilize an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is a temporary fix however, and may only prevent the crack from getting worse. A professional window repair service can repair any broken glass on your double-glazed windows.

Attempting to replace a broken window pane yourself is challenging and potentially dangerous. If the crack is large and difficult to eliminate, you can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing design. If the crack isn't too large to be able to hold it steady and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed then place it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.

To install a replacement glass it is necessary to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to ensure that your new pane is a good fit. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, buy some points for glaziers at an hardware store to place along the edges of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.

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

Water Leaks

The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common problem that occurs when the window sealant has degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster surrounding the window and also result in damp or spongy walls that require to be fixed as soon as is feasible.

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

Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel, which is a support for the brick that is over the window. The installers who built the house may not have realized that the lintel needs to be let to drain properly or they could have merely covered it with concrete, leaving a gap where rainwater can enter and pool around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The builders may have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure that water is directed correctly. This will prevent water entering the building.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be a cause of leaks. It's possible that the argon or krypton gas that is supposed to be in between the glass to provide insulation has leaked out from the windows due to an old seal. Although this isn't a particularly serious leaky window problem it can affect efficiency and should be addressed as soon as possible. In this situation replacing double glazing could be the best option. A professional will conduct an extensive evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and recommend solutions. They can also advise whether it is best to fix or replace the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work needed.

Condensation

Condensation is a very common issue with older double-glazed doors and windows, but it can be easily fixed. It is caused by the lack of air flow around the window, and typically is seen in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. These droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth investigating further.

There is also the sound of water drip. This could be because of a damaged seal between the two panes of glass. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may cause mould in time, so it's best to fix the window as quickly as possible.

A professional can examine your window and recommend the best solution. Professional firms will take off the glass affected and blow hot air between the two panes. This will evaporate any remaining moisture and guarantee that a good seal will be reapplied.

Failing windowpane seals are the primary cause of condensation issues in double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the seal fails, causing them to become cloudy. If this occurs, it is possible that simple fixes can assist, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.

A spacer bar is usually located between the glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and stops it from getting into the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may crack or break and in this instance, it is usually required to replace the entire window.

You can repair some of the issues yourself with the right tools. However, it's usually better to hire someone who is trained to do this. You'll save lots of time and ensure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A reliable tradesman will provide you with a guarantee on the work done that you could not get if you attempted to repair it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is a revolutionary product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It's not impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise from time to time. These faults can be dangerous in some instances if they are not corrected promptly.

As such, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk, then it's important to fix them as soon as possible. Issues such as misting or water leaks can damage the efficiency of windows and cause them to look ugly.

It's usually cheaper to fix your double glazing repairs Hounslow glazed windows than to replace them entirely. If you spot any indications of problems with your double glazing it is worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and asking for estimates. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the best option and ensure that your chosen firm offers a guarantee on their work.

When a double glazed window is sold it will be placed within an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes that have a space in between, and a rubber gasket which stops water from entering the gap. Some 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 maker and fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far more cost-effective for most households.

Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to repair the damaged window. If the glass has formed only a few small chips, but has not damaged, this is typically the situation. If your double glazed window has completely shattered, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit and the window sash.