Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can develop problems such as difficult to open windows or a door that is snagged. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved without difficulty.
Many homeowners try to fix these issues themselves. However it should be left up to experts. Trying to do this without the right tools and knowledge can result in damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged window is a frustrating and annoying issue. It could let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that lets in debris or moisture. This could also affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will need to work harder in order to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the weather and whether you have single-pane or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily repair the damage with silicone sealant. For a permanent fix, you will need professional help.
The tape is strong enough to repair a damaged window. A strip of tape can be placed over the crack to prevent it from getting worse. However cracks that extend all through the glass or that is too large to be covered by tape will have to be replaced entirely.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from the lawnmowers that strikes the window a drink set down too heavily on a glass-topped coffee table; or a pet's excited leap when you open the door. It can also happen naturally when the frames of your windows move in a slight manner, breaking the special packaging material that keeps the glass sheets in place.
Wear gloves that are thick when you have a broken pane of glass. Put a cardboard container near the pane to catch any shards. Then, remove the sash from the frame and work on a flat surface such as tables. Wear a mask to ensure not to breathe in the glass shattering.
After you have removed the old glass, remove any varnish and paint from the window frame. You can use a heat gun to soften old glazing putty or the metal points which kept the glass in place.
Then you can determine the opening of the new glass. To allow for expansion and contracting you should always purchase a replacement glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. Have your local hardware or home center cut the glass to these measurements.
Once you have the new glass, put it in the frame. If there are gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk that you can buy from a home improvement store. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Attach glazier's tips to the corners of the glass and frame every six inches, to ensure that they keep the pane in the right place.
Condensation
If your double glazing windows are new or old it's quite common for them to form condensation. This is especially the case in winter, when colder air meets warmer glass. It can be a problem but it is not usually a big issue. Condensation on windows is a sign that your double glazing system is functioning well.
However, it can be an indication that the seal is not working and water is leaking through the crack between the window panes. If you notice a milky look on your window or if water beads appear across its surface, this issue needs to be addressed in order to stop the growth of mould, mildew or any further damage.
Fortunately, condensation can be removed quite easily. A technician will drill a small number of holes in the window frame, which allow the moisture trapped to escape. This process is known as defogging, and it can also be used to remove the stains caused by the trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the root cause of a failing window seal. window repairs might not even work when the condensation has gone away due to the damaged air between the panes could still be there. This could mean that you're not getting as much heat insulation as you should from your windows.
It is essential to consult an expert as soon you notice moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might be able suggest a solution like putting vents in the windows to let fresh air be able to enter, but not allowing warm air to escape.
The last thing you want is for your double glazing to fail, particularly when it's expensive to replace. With the right skills, equipment and knowledge, you are able to repair your double glazing and keep it in good shape for many years. If you need repair work on your double glazing call us now to find out what we can do to help. We offer a wide range of services from replacing one or several panes of glass that has been tempered to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are expensive to repair. This can be expensive to repair and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mould. It is essential to repair a leak as quickly as possible.
If you experience that you feel a draft coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely the seal within the sealed unit has broken. This may also mean that there is no argon gas between the panes of glass which is used to create insulation. This issue can be solved by an expert technician who will repair the window.
Sometimes, dirt can cause a double-glazed window to be cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that the seal is getting worn out and the glass needs to be cleaned. This can be accomplished by a professional using high-pressure water jets that quickly clear the glass of any dirt or other debris.
If however, condensation is developing between the two glass panes in your double glazing, it 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 issue and suggests that your double glazing is not adequately insulate your home properly as it should. This can be repaired by replacing the glass unit, however it must be done earlier rather than later as the performance of your double glazed window will have been affected.
If you have new double-glazed windows under warranty, you must contact the company that installed them and report any issues with the units, or the sealing of the glass, as it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. If you attempt to play with the units or attempt to make any repairs yourself, this could invalidate the warranty, and you should leave these repairs to the professionals. We suggest that you employ a double glazing repair specialist.
Weather Damage
In areas that experience extreme weather, double-glazed windows require a strong frame which can hold the glass panes in place. Ice snow, high winds and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. If you see cracks, holes or dents in your windows, contact an expert to repair your double glazing.
If you notice water running out of the bottom of your window, it could be a sign that there is a leaky seal within the window. This lets moisture infiltrate your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames may also be bent or warped. You will need to replace the window seal and put it back inside the frame to repair this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight and stop heat from leaving your home, and also preventing condensation between the glass panes. The window seals are generally constructed of uPVC or aluminum and hold the glass in place. There can be issues such as draughts and energy loss when the window seals fail.
The failure of the gaseous insulation in double-glazed windows is a common cause of misting windows. The argon gasses keep the glass in place, and create a airtight seal however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gas can escape. The argon gas could cause condensation between glass panes if it escapes.
The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal and then re-installing glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to avoid any further condensation. It is recommended to employ an expert to complete the job for you.
While it is essential to have double-glazed windows they aren't immune to damage and will require to be repaired periodically. Most windows can be repaired without needing to replace them. To do this, it is an ideal idea to have a few basic tools on hand. You'll need protective gloves and a tape measure, scotch tape or a transparent film and nail polish and a plastic sheet which can be cut to size.