Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you've recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to display signs of failing, you might be wondering whether they are able to be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window's pane is cracked or broken, it allows air to move more easily, which reduces the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and barrier against the elements. Based on the season this could cause hot or cold air to flow into or out of your home, causing an increase in the cost of cooling and heating.

If the crack in your double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to simply apply a strong-hold tape. This is only temporary fix, and could just stop the crack from becoming worse. A reputable window repair service can fix any broken glass on your double-glazed windows.

It is risky and difficult to replace windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large to be able to hold it steady and use a razor to cut it away from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. After removing the glass and laid flat, you can place it on many layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.

To install a new pane, you'll need to purchase 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 make sure that your new pane will fit correctly. Then have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wood frames, purchase points for glaziers from an hardware store to place around the edges of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.

After the new pane is set, spread a thick layer of your preferred glazing compound using a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a lesser product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame using the compound you choose. Smooth the compound on your new pane to ensure it is even and level.

Water Leaks

Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a common problem. This occurs when the sealant on windows has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster surrounding the window, and can result in damp or spongy walls that require to be repaired as soon as is possible.

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

The lintel on top of the window can also be a source of leaks. The people who built the home may not have been aware that this lintel must be let 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, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will prevent water from entering the building through these gaps.

Another possible leak source is the gap between the glass panes in a double-glazed unit. It is possible that the gas argon or Krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass to create insulation has escaped from the windows due to the seal being worn out. While this isn't the most serious issue associated with windows that leak however, it could have an impact on energy efficiency. It should be addressed as soon as is possible. In this situation replacement double glazing might be the best option. A professional can complete an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They will also help you decide whether it is best to repair or replace the window. They will also be able to give you a price for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, this is usually an easy solution. This is due to a lack of air flow around the window, and typically happens in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of droplets of water appearing on the glass surface. The droplets will disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth looking further.

Another indicator of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is likely because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this sound. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue can also lead to mold in the long run Therefore, it is recommended to have the window repairs repaired as soon as you can.

Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most effective way of dealing with this issue, since they will be able to suggest the best procedure to take. 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 reapplied.

Failing windowpane seals are the main cause of condensation issues with double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the window seal is damaged, causing them to get clogged. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes can assist, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.

Most double glazed windows have an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is a source of desiccant, which sucks up any moisture and blocks it from reaching the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can crack or break and in this situation, it is often necessary to replace the entire window.

You can repair some of the issues yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it's generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. This will not only save you a great amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and with the highest possible quality. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some kind of assurance for the work done that you would not get from DIY work.

Shattering

Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It is not indestructible and there are issues that can arise occasionally. These flaws could be dangerous in some instances when they aren't addressed quickly.

If you spot any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family members in danger, it's important to address them as quickly as you can. Issues such as misting or leaks of water can affect the performance of windows and leave them looking unsightly.

It's often cheaper to fix your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you notice any signs of trouble in your double glazing it is worth looking into local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and getting quotes. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose offers a guarantee with their work.

Double-glazed windows are sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is made up of the two glass panes, a space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from leaking into the insulating gap. Some IGUs also contain a gas such as argon, which helps keep heat from escaping your home, therefore saving you on energy costs.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then it is possible to purchase a replacement from a window maker and then installed on the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for many households.

Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to repair the damaged part. If the glass has formed just a few tiny chips, but hasn't shattered, this is usually the case. If your double-glazed window has completely broken and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.