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 might be wondering if they can be fixed.

You might be able to get your double glazing repaired under warranty, based on the issue and the date when you bought it.

Broken Panes

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

If the crack in the double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary fix, and may only stop the crack from becoming more severe. A reputable window repair service can repair any broken glass that has been smashed on double-glazed windows.

Removing a damaged window pane yourself is difficult and risky. If the crack is large and difficult to eliminate, you can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack isn't too large, you can employ a slicing tool to remove the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed and laid flat, you can place it on many layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that might 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 inch in both directions to make sure that your new pane will fit properly. Then have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, purchase glaziers' points at an hardware store to place around the edges of your new pane. Be sure to position the points in a position that allows for expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.

Spread a thick layer with a putty blade once the new pane has been installed. Make use of a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill in any gaps between the frame and pane using the compound you choose. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level around the pane.

Water Leaks

Water leaks around a window's frame or sash are a common issue. This occurs when the window sealant has worn out and needs to be replaced. Water leaks around the window can cause damage to the drywall or plaster and can cause damp walls.

A double-glazed window of good quality has a gasket that is firmly compressed when the sash windows repair closes. The water that is absorbed by this area should be drained out through the weep holes in the frame. Sometimes, the weep hole may be blocked due to dirt and other debris. The weather stripping could need to be replaced.

The lintel that is above the window can also be an area of leaks. The installers who built the house may not have realized that this lintel must be allowed to drain properly, or they may have simply covered it with concrete, leaving an opening where rainwater could enter and pool around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure that water is directed properly. This will prevent water entering the building.

Another source of leaks is the gap that exists between the glass panes in double-glazed units. 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. While this isn't the most serious issue associated with leaky windows however, it could affect energy efficiency. It should be addressed as quickly as possible. In this situation double glazing replacement could be necessary. A professional can complete a full evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and suggest solutions. They can also tell you whether it is better to fix or replace the window. They will also be able to give you a price for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, this is typically a simple fix. This is due to an absence of air circulation around the window, and typically happens in rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth investigating further.

Another indicator of condensation is if you hear water drips. This is likely due to a broken seal between the two panes of glass. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may also lead to mould in time, so it's best to fix the window as soon as you can.

Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most efficient method of tackling this issue, as they can recommend the correct procedure to take. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is reapplied.

Windowpane seals that fail are the main cause of condensation issues with double glazing. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to enter double-paned glass windows, causing them fog. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution to this problem is to replace the windows.

A spacer bar is usually found between the two glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows repair. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that could occur, therefore preventing it from reaching the glass panes, causing condensation. However, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack and in this instance, it is often required to replace the entire window.

You can repair some of the issues yourself with the right tools. However, it's generally better to hire a professional who has been trained to do 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 of the highest quality. A reliable tradesman will offer a guarantee for the work completed that you could not receive if you tried to repair it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is an innovative product that allows homeowners to reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. However, it isn't indestructible and, from time to time, issues may arise. These faults can be dangerous in some instances when they aren't addressed promptly.

Therefore, 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 you can. Problems such as misting or water leaks can reduce the efficiency of windows and make them look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is typically more cost-effective than replacing them. So, if you've noticed any indications of issues with your double glazing, consider searching for local companies that specialize in repairs for double-glazed windows and requesting estimates. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the most effective and ensure that the company has a warranty on their work.

When a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). It is comprised of the two glass panes, installers a space between them and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the insulating gap. Some IGUs contain the gas argon. It stops heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs is damaged a replacement pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the whole window and is far more cost-effective for most households.

Based on the type of window you have and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to simply repair the damaged pane. This is typically the case if it has only developed a few tiny cracks, but it isn't shattered. If the double-glazed window is completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.