Double Glazing Windows Repairs

Double glazing refers to the panes of glass that are placed inside a window frame or wall opening. Sometimes, the window glass gets damaged and may require repairs.

If you've noticed condensation in between the windows or a noticeable draught, or if the handles and hinges are becoming difficult to open, these are all signs that your double glazing requires to be repaired. This repair will typically involve a reseal of the entire unit.

Broken Panes

Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air space between them, which is filled with inert gasses like Krypton and argon. This helps to keep the heat inside your home, while also preventing cold drafts and moisture from entering. Occasionally the windows can become damaged, and if this happens the entire window might require replacement. It is important that you call the company that sold you double glazing immediately if you notice cracks or chips appearing in the window.

A few steps can be used to fix a damaged window, however it is not recommended that you attempt to repair the damage yourself unless you're an experienced DIYer. Put on gloves first and carefully remove the damaged window pane. If the pane is cracked, use masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern to the areas that are cracked. This will prevent the cracks from becoming worse over time, particularly in the winter. It is also advisable to cover your work surface in newspapers to stop any broken pieces from falling. Once the damaged pane is removed, scrape away any existing glazing putty or glazed window seal using a putty knife and Window doctor remove the glazing points with pliers. Then, use primer that is quick drying to apply a coat of primer on the wooden surface.

If you can purchase a replacement pane, measure the length and width of the channel using a tape measure. Subtract 1/8' from both measurements to allow for some movement of the new pane. Then, slide the replacement pane into place and roll thin pieces of glazing compound into the grooved channels. Tap gently using the drum at 6'' or intervals of 8 inches to help set the glass in place, but be careful not to break the glass.

If you have a double-glazing warranty, it's often worthwhile to try using this to avoid the expense of a full replacement window. In general, the warranty will cover the cost of the components and labor. You should check the details as they can differ from one company to the next.

Foggy Glass

Condensation between the panes of your double glazing can result in foggy glass. This can be due to a number of things like variations in temperature, poorly installed frames, or even the seals that have deteriorated over time.

The good news is that in the majority of instances this issue can be resolved easily by an experienced double glazing installer. It is recommended to contact the company that installed your windows immediately if you find any issues. Follow up with a written reply. It will be much easier to reach the company should you have to later. This is also helpful if your warranty or guarantee covers the problem.

It is possible to resolve the issue by replacing the gasket seals. This won't necessitate replacing your entire window unit. It will make your home more energy efficient. To do this the window glazier needs to remove any retaining clips or strips that keep the IGU in place and repairer cut through the sealant with a saw.

Then they will build or buy an IGU replacement to fit the frame, and use specific sealants to ensure that it is air- and water-tight. Once they're finished, they'll reinstall the retaining clips or strips and seal it with more to ensure it's secure.

If you are lucky, the misting will stop. But, it's crucial to ensure that your frames are properly ventilated to ensure that moisture doesn't build up within your ceilings and walls.

Double glazing owners have also reported that their doors and windows are difficult to open or close. This can be due to extreme weather conditions, or simply because the frame has sagged over time and is not aligned with the rest of your home. If this is the case then you could try wiping down the frames with cold-water to shrink them a bit. But this won't resolve the issue completely. If you still can't solve the problem, you may require the help of a professional to replace the frames.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when the insulation gases in double glazing windows do not hold their place leaving air and moisture between the panes. This is more prevalent in winter, when humidity levels are higher. However, it can also happen at other times. Moisture can cause mildew and mould to grow around window frames, sealants, and sills. This is not only unsightly, but it's extremely harmful to your health. The good part is that condensation can often be resealed by a window doctor professional to reduce the amount of moisture in your home and stop moisture from building up.

Window gaskets are an important part of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets aid in sealing in the air that is insulated between your window glass and prevent drafts, moisture and heat from entering or leaving your home. The gaskets may perish or shrink over time due to fluctuations in temperature, weather conditions, and aging, which means that condensation could be developing on double-glazed windows or doors.

It is possible to fix this however it would require replacing the'sandwich' (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazed window with an exact replacement. It is recommended that unless you have the correct tools, you get an expert to re-seal your double-glazed windows.

Mist in your double-glazed windows is another issue that can be difficult to fix. This indicates that the seal on the vacuum in the factory has failed, and there's no way to move dry air inside or out of the window sandwich.

A professional will reseal the windows by using the same procedure they would do for the fog or condensation issue. This typically involves removing the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning agent and then sucking out the old sealant. It is essential to precisely measure the sandwich's length width, thickness and length to ensure that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.

This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools that aren't typically available in DIY stores. It's best left to the professionals as incorrect seals can cause damp and mold in your home which could be expensive and dangerous to your health.

Water Leaks

If you see water leaks around your double-glazed windows, it is important to respond quickly. If you don't act swiftly even the tiniest leak could turn into a major problem.

Often times the window frame itself could be to blame. Make sure that the sill pan, the flat bottom of the frame, is sloping so that water runs away from your home and not into the frame. If the sill isn't pitched properly or you notice moisture in the wood, you will need to contact a double glazing repair company to get professional assistance.

A damaged window seal is a common cause of leaks. This can be due to the age of the seal, damage, or weather. This isn't an easy fix and should be left to professionals.

This can lead to an increase in efficiency of energy. This can also allow cold air to enter your home in the winter months and hot air to escape during summer. This can result in high heating and cooling costs.

It is easy to fix by applying a fresh layer of caulking. Although people who have DIY skills can do this themselves, it is usually easier to have a double-glazing expert handle the task. You'll feel secure and have you can be sure that the job has been done correctly.

Some double-glazed windows have warranties that last up to 20 years. It is best to contact the company that supplied you with your windows to find out the warranty they provide and UPVC repairs for how long. This will help you avoid the cost of having to replace your double glazed windows at a later date. If your double glazed windows are covered by a warranty it is important to register the problem as soon as you notice any problems. You can do this online or by calling them directly. All of this information in writing will be helpful if you ever require your warranty.