Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing may become problematic over time. For example, it may be difficult to open windows or have a door that snags. These issues can be easily fixed.
Many homeowners try to solve these issues on their own, however, this should be left to professionals. It is dangerous to attempt to fix these issues without the proper tools and understanding.
Broken Panes
A damaged window can be a stressful and annoying issue. It can let cold or hot air in your home, and leave a gap which allows moisture or debris to get into. It also reduces your energy efficiency, as your AC and furnace have to perform more to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the weather conditions and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily repair the damage by using silicone sealant. However the final solution will require expert assistance.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to repair a cracked window. A piece of tape positioned over the crack will stop it from escalating. However, a crack that goes all through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will need to be completely replaced.
The excitement of a pet when you open the door could cause broken glass. The frames of your window could shift over time and break the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
If window repairs got a broken glass pane, you should wear thick gloves and place a cardboard box nearby to catch the fragments. Take the sash off and work on a level surface, such as the table. Wear a mask so as not to breathe the glass shattering.
After you have removed the old glass, clean any paint and varnish from the window frame. You can use a heatgun to soften the old glazing putty or the metal points that held the glass in position.
Then, you can measure the opening for the new pane. It is best to get your replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening of the original to allow for expansion and contraction. Have your local hardware or home center cut the glass according to these measurements.
Place the glass into the frame. If there are any gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk that you can buy at a local home improvement store. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glaziers' points to the corners and frames of the glass every six inches to ensure that the pane is securely held in place.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are new or old it's quite common for them to develop condensation. This is especially the case in winter, when colder air meets warmer glass. This can cause problems but it's not typically an issue. Condensation on windows is a sign that your double glazing system is working correctly.
However, it can be a sign that the seal is not working, and moisture is seeping through the gaps between the window panes. There may be a milky appearance on the window or water beads appearing across the surface. This is something that needs to be addressed to stop mold, mildew or any further damage.
Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill small holes into the frame of the window to allow the trapped moisture escape. This process is known as defogging, and it can also be used to remove the stains caused by trapped moisture.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that defogging does not fix the root issue of a leaking seal. It could be ineffective when the condensation has disappeared, because the compromised air between the panes could remain. This could mean that you still not get as much heat insulation from your windows as you would like to.
It is essential to consult an expert when you discover that your windows are damp to determine the next steps. They might be able recommend a solution, like putting vents in the windows to allow fresh air to in, but not permitting warm air to escape.
It is the last thing you'll need for your double-glazing to go down. This is especially true when it could be costly to replace. With the right equipment, skills and experience, you can repair your double-glazed window to keep it in good shape for a long time. Contact us today if you need double repairs to your glazing. We provide a range of services, from replacing one or more panes glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak can be a major problem as it means that you may have damp ingress that can cause damage. It's expensive to fix and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. It is essential to repair a leak as quickly as possible.
If you notice an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that the seal inside the sealed unit has broken. This could also indicate that the gas used to encase the glass panes has gone out. A specialist technician can replace your window to fix this problem.
Sometimes, dirt may cause a double glazed window to appear cloudy or misty. This is usually an indication that the seal is failing and the glass needs to be cleaned. A professional can do this by using high-pressure water jets to quickly clean the glass.
If however, condensation is forming between the two panes of glass in your double glazing, it is a sign that the seal has developed a leak and that there is no longer any argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious issue and could mean that your double glazing is no longer insulating your home as it should. It can be fixed by replacing the glass unit, however it must be done sooner rather than later because the performance of your double glazed window will be affected.
If you have brand new double glazed windows that are under guarantee, 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. The warranty will be void in the event that you attempt to repair the units yourself or tamper them. This is the reason we suggest hiring a professional double glazing repair company.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to hold the glass panes together and hold them in place, especially in extreme weather conditions. Ice snow, high winds and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. Call a professional to repair double glazing if you see cracks, dents, or holes.
If you notice that water is leaking out of the bottom of your window, this could be a sign that there is a leaky seal within the window. This lets moisture enter your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be bent or warped. You'll need to replace your window seal and reinstall it into the frame in order to correct this.
Window seals help to ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from getting out of your home, while also stopping condensation between the glass panes. The window seals are generally made of uPVC, aluminum or timber and hold the glass in place. When window seals fail to fail, you could encounter issues such as draughts, energy loss and misted windows.
Misting windows are a frequent problem and is caused by the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window breaking. The argon gases hold the glass in place and create an airtight sealing however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gases could escape. The argon gas may cause condensation between the glass panes when it escapes.
This problem can be fixed by replacing the window seal, inserting the glass and applying an anti-fogging agent to prevent condensation in the future. It is recommended to employ a professional to do the work for you.
While it is crucial to have double-glazed windows they are not impervious to damage and will require to be repaired at times. Most windows can be repaired without having to replace them. It is best to have some basic tools available. You will need protective gloves, a tape measure, scotch tape or transparent film, nail polish, and a sheet of plastic that is cut to size.