Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and they're beginning to show signs of failing you might be wondering if they can be repaired.

Depending on what the issue is and when you bought them from, you may be eligible to receive your double-glazed windows replaced under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window pane becomes cracked or broken it allows air move more easily, which reduces the windows' efficiency as insulation and barrier against the elements. This can cause cold or hot air to enter your home, based on the time of year. The cost of cooling and heating will rise.

If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to use a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is only a temporary fix, and will be able to stop the crack from becoming worse. To get the best results, a professional window repair company is required to fix any damaged glass on 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, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to make use of a razor to remove the glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. After the glass has been removed, place it flat onto several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that might fall.

To install a new glass pane, you will need to purchase replacement glass and set up the frame. To ensure that the new glass is a good fit you must measure the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Then, you can have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, buy some glaziers' points at an hardware store to place around the edges of your new pane. Position the points so that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.

Spread a thick layer of it with a putty blade once your new pane has been installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco, or a cheaper product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the frame and the new pane using the appropriate compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level around the pane.

Water Leaks

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

A double-glazed window of high quality will have a gasket which expands with force when the sash closes. Any water that comes into the area should be drained away via the weep holes located in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, the weep hole may become blocked due to dirt and other debris. The weather stripping may need replacing.

The lintel on top of the window can be a source of leaks. The people who built the house may not have understood that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly or they may have simply clad it with concrete leaving a gap where rainwater can get in and build up around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The builders should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed windows could also be a source of leaks. It is possible that argon or krypton gas that is supposed to be in 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 severe leaky window issue however, it could affect efficiency and must be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this situation, replacement double glazing may be the best option. A professional can complete an extensive evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They can also tell you whether it is better to replace or repair the window. They will be able to also give you a price for any work that is required.

Condensation

Condensation is quite a common problem in older double glazed doors and windows, but this can usually be easily solved. This is due to a lack air flow around the windows. It is common in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident sign of condensation is droplets of water appearing on the glass's surface. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the issue persists, it's worth looking into further.

You can also hear water drip. This could be due to a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem may cause mould in time, so it's recommended to get the window repaired as soon as you can.

A professional can inspect your window and suggest the best solution. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is applied.

Windowpane seals that fail are the main reason for condensation issues in double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to enter double-paned windows, which makes them fog. If this occurs, it is possible that simple fixes will help, but in many cases the best solution is to replace the window.

A spacer bar can be located between the two glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is stuffed with desiccant that absorbs any moisture that may occur, thus preventing it from reaching the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack and in this situation, it is often necessary to replace the entire window repairs.

You can do some repairs yourself with the right tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. You will save a lot of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired properly. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some form of guarantee for the work that is completed that you would not get from DIY jobs.

Shattering

Double glazing is an amazing innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It is not indestructible and problems can arise from time to time. In some instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not dealt with quickly enough.

If you spot any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it is important to fix them as quickly as possible. Faults such as misting and water leaks can damage the performance of windows and leave them looking unsightly.

It's often cheaper to repair your double-glazed windows than to replace them entirely. If you notice any signs of problems with your double glazed window repairs near me glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and getting estimates. Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best option and make sure that the company offers a warranty with their work.

When a double glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes that have an opening in between and a rubber gasket that keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs also contain a gas like argon that helps to keep heat from leaving your home, thereby conserving energy.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then a replacement can be bought from a window maker and then installed on the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for a lot of households.

Depending on the type of window you have and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged window repair near me. If the glass has developed just a few tiny chips, but not been broken, that's usually the situation. If your double-glazed window repairs has completely shattered and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit as well as the window sash.