Double Glazing Window Repair

Over time double glazing may develop problems such as difficult to open windows or a door that is snagged. These problems can be easily fixed.

Many homeowners will attempt to fix these issues themselves but this should be left to the experts. It is dangerous to attempt to fix these problems without the proper tools and understanding.

Broken Panes

A damaged or broken window can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue. It could let hot or cold air in your home, and leave a gap which allows dirt or moisture to get into. It can also decrease your energy efficiency, as your AC and furnace must perform more to keep your home cool. Depending on the weather conditions and whether you have single-pane or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily fix the damage with silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional help.

A window that is cracked can be fixed with strong-duty tape. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to prevent it from becoming worse. However cracks that extend all the way through the glass or that is too large to be covered with tape will require to be replaced completely.

Broken glass can result from various factors: a pebble from the lawnmower that hits the window; a drink set down too heavily on a glass-topped table or a pet's euphoric jump when you open the door. It can also happen naturally as the frames of your windows move slowly over time and break the protective packaging material that keeps the glass sheets in the right place.

Wear a pair of thick gloves when you've broken a pane of glass. Set up a cardboard box near the pane to collect any fragments. Remove the sash and work on an even surface, such as tables. Wear a mask so as not to inhale the glass fragments.

After removing the old glass, remove any varnish and paint from the window frame. You can use a heatgun to soften old glazing putty or the metal points which helped to hold the glass in place.

Then, you can take measurements of the opening to make a new pane. It is best to purchase replacement glass slightly smaller than the original opening to allow for expansion and contraction. You can ask your local hardware store or your home center cut it to these dimensions.

Press the new glass into the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. It is available at a home improvement shop. Smooth the caulk using a putty blade. Add glazier's points to the edges of the glass frame around every six inches, to ensure that they keep the pane in place.

Condensation

Condensation is a possibility on double-glazed windows, regardless of whether they are old or new. This is especially the case in winter when colder air is able to meet warmer glass. While it can cause problems, it's not typically a major issue. This is because condensation on windows indicates that your double glazing is working correctly.

It could be a sign that the seal is failing and water is leaking through the crack between the window panes. You might notice a milky appearance on the window, or water beads appearing on the surface. This is something that needs to be addressed to stop mould, mildew or further damage.

Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill tiny holes in the window's frame to allow the trapped moisture to escape. This process is referred to as defogging. It also can help to remove any stains that are caused by the trapped moisture.

It is important to remember, however, that defogging does not fix the root issue of a failing seal. It might not even work if the condensation has disappeared as the air that is leaking between the panes could remain. This could mean that you're not getting the heat insulation as you should from your windows.

If you've noticed water building up in your windows it's recommended to speak with a professional as soon as possible to see what the next steps need to be. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents in the windows to let fresh air to circulate but do not allow warm air to escape.

The final thing you would like to happen is for your double glazing to break down, especially when this can be costly to replace. With the right equipment, skills and experience, you can repair your double glazing to keep it in good shape for many years. If you need repair work on your double glazing, contact us today to discuss what we can do to help. We provide a wide range of services including replacing one or more panes glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.

Leaks

A leak is a big issue because it means there is a possibility of damp ingress that can cause damage. It can be costly to repair and can be an indication of more serious issues within your property, like dry rot or mold. This is why it's crucial to fix a leak as soon as you can.

If you notice a draught coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that the seal inside the sealed unit has been damaged. This could also mean that there is no longer any argon gas between the panes of glass which is used to insulate the windows. A specialist technician can replace your window to fix this issue.

Double-glazed windows can turn cloudy or misty because of dirt. This is usually a sign that the seal is degrading and the glass needs to be cleaned. A professional can do this by using high-pressure water jets to quickly clean the glass.

However, if condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes in your double glazing, this is a sign that the seal has developed a leak and that there is no argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and could indicate that your double glazing does not protect your home as well as it should. The glass unit is able to be replaced, but you'll need to do it sooner rather than later because the performance of the double glazed window has been affected.

If you have double-glazed windows that are under warranty, you must contact the installer and report any issues with the units or seal of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will be able to address these issues. You will lose your warranty when you attempt to repair the windows yourself or alter them. This is the reason we suggest that you use a specialist double glazing repair service.

Weather Damage

Double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame to hold the glass panes together and ensure they stay in place, particularly in areas of extreme weather. Ice snow high winds and tumultuous storms can all cause damage to your windows. Call a professional to repair double glazing if you see cracks, dents or holes.

If you see water flowing out from the bottom of your window, it could be a sign there is a broken seal within the window repairs. This lets moisture infiltrate your home. In addition, your uPVC or aluminum window frame may be warping or bending. You'll need to replace your window seal and then reinstall it inside the frame to correct this.

Window seals help to ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight and keep heat from getting out of your home, while also preventing condensation between glass panes. The window seals are generally made of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and help to hold the glass in place. When window seals fail to break down, you can encounter issues such as energy loss, draughts and windows that are misty.

Misting windows are a frequent issue and are caused by the insulating gas inside the double-glazed window breaking. The argon gases keep the glass in place, and form an airtight seal however, if it gets damaged or worn out, the gases could escape. The gases that escape can lead to condensation between the glass panes.

This issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal, then re-inserting the glass and applying an anti-fogging solution to prevent condensation from occurring in the future. It is best to hire an expert to complete the work for you.

Double-glazed windows are important however they can also be damaged and require to be repaired. Most windows can be repaired without the need to replace them. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to have some basic tools in your arsenal. You'll need gloves to protect yourself, a tape measure, scotch tape or a transparent film, nail polish, and a plastic sheet that is cut to size.