Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing could become problematic over time. For example it might become difficult to open the windows or have doors that are snagged. Fortunately these problems can be fixed with ease.
Many homeowners try to fix these issues themselves. However, this should be left up to experts. It's risky to fix these issues without the right tools and understanding.
Broken Panes
A damaged or broken window can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air into your home and leave a gap that lets in debris or moisture. It also reduces the efficiency of your energy bills, as your AC and furnace will have to perform more to keep your home warm. Depending on the season and whether you have double-pane or single-pane windows, you might be able to temporarily repair the damage with silicone sealant. For a permanent fix, you will need professional assistance.
A window that is cracked can be repaired with strong-duty tape. A piece of tape positioned over a crack can prevent it from worsening. However, a crack that goes all through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will require to be replaced entirely.
Broken glass can be caused by numerous factors: a stray pebble from the lawnmowers that hits the window; an unintentionally placed drink heavily on a table with a glass top or a pet's euphoric leap when you open the front door. The frames of your window can change over time and crack the packaging material that holds the glass sheets.
When you have a broken glass pane, you should wear thick gloves and place a cardboard box near to catch the fragments. Remove the frame's sash and work on a flat surface, such as a table. Wear a mask so as not to inhale the glass fragments.
Once the old glass has been removed, clean any paint or varnish from the frame of the window. You can also use a heat gun to soften any old glazing putty and metal glazing points that held the glass in place.
Then, you can measure the opening of the new glass. It is best to purchase replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening of the original to allow for expansion and contraction. Make sure that your local hardware or home center cut the glass to these measurements.
Once you have the new glass, put it in the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. You can buy it at a local home improvement store. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the corners and frames of the glass approximately every six inches to ensure that the glass is securely held in place.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are old or brand new it's quite common for them to develop condensation. This is especially the case in winter when colder air meets warm glass. It can be a problem but it is not usually a big problem. Condensation on windows is a sign your double glazing system is working correctly.
It could be a sign that your seal is failing and water is flowing through the gap. If you notice a milky smudge on your window or if water beads appear across its surface, this issue needs to be addressed to stop the growth of mould, mildew or further damage.
Thankfully, condensation can be removed very easily. A technician will drill small holes in the window's frame to allow the trapped moisture to escape. This process is called defogging. It can also be used to eliminate the stains caused by the trapped moisture.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that defogging doesn't fix the root cause of a leaking seal. It could be ineffective when the condensation has disappeared as the air that is leaking between the panes could remain. This could mean that you will still not receive as much heat insulation from your windows as you could.
If you have noticed moisture build-up in your windows it's recommended to speak with an expert as soon as you can to figure out what the next steps need to be. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents to the windows that let fresh air to enter but don't allow warm air to escape.
It is the last thing you need for your double-glazing system to break down. This is especially true when it could be expensive to replace. With the right skills, equipment and experience, you can repair your double glazing to keep it in good shape for a long time. Contact us today if you need double repair work for your double glazing. We provide a variety of services from replacing one or more panes of tempered glass to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a big problem as it means that you may have damp ingress which can cause damage. It's costly to fix, and is usually an indication that your house has other issues such as dry rot or mould. It is crucial to fix the leak as soon as possible.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows have a draught it's likely that the seal has broken. This could also indicate that the argon gas used to encase the glass panes has been removed. This can be fixed by a specialist technician who will reseal the window.
Double-glazed windows may become cloudy or misty due dirt. This is usually an indication that the seal is degrading and the glass must 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 of your double glazing then this is a sign that the seal has developed an open and there is no longer any argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and could indicate that your double glazed window does not insulate your home as effectively as it ought to. The glass can be replaced, but you will need to do it sooner rather than later due to the performance of the double glazed window has been affected.
If you own new double-glazed windows under warranty, you should contact the company that installed them and inform them of any problems with the units or the sealing of the glass, as it is not likely to be covered by the warranty. If you try to tamper with the units or attempt to fix them yourself then this will invalidate your guarantee, so you should always leave the repairs to professionals. This is why we recommend that you use a specialist double glazing repair service.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to keep the glass panes in place and hold them in place, especially in extreme weather conditions. Ice snow, high winds and violent storms can cause damage to your windows. If you notice cracks, holes or dents in your windows, contact a professional to repair your double glazing.
If you see water running out of the bottom of your window, this could be a sign there is a breach in the seal inside the window. This lets moisture infiltrate your home. Additionally the uPVC or aluminum window frame might be bending or warping. It is necessary to replace your window seal and then reinstall it into the frame in order to correct this.
Window seals help to ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight and keep heat from getting out of your home, as well as preventing condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically made of uPVC, aluminum or timber and keep the glass in the right place. If the window seals fail, you could experience problems such as the loss of energy, draughts or windows that are misty.
The inability of the insulating gases in double-glazed windows is the common reason for windows to mist. The argon gas holds the glass in place and creates an airtight seal. However, if the seal is damaged or worn out, it may allow gases to escape. The escaped argon gases could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be resolved by double glazing repairs replacing the window seal and re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to avoid future condensation. The best method to do this is to call in an expert to do the work for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows they aren't immune to abrasions and will need to be repaired from time to time. Fortunately, most windows can be repaired without the need for replacement. To do this, it's an ideal idea to have some basic tools at hand. You will need protective glove, a tape or film that is transparent, scotchtape, nail polish, and a sheet of plastic.