Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can develop problems such as difficult to open windows or doors that is snagged. These issues are easily solved.
Many homeowners try to fix these issues on their own but this should be left to the experts. It's dangerous to fix these issues without the right tools and understanding.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane can be a stressful and inconvenient issue. It could let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that lets in dirt or moisture. This could also affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will have to work harder in order to keep your home warm. You might be able depending on the weather conditions and whether your windows are single-paned or double-paned to repair the damage temporarily applying silicone sealant. However, a permanent fix will require professional help.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to repair a cracked window. A tape strip placed over the crack will stop it from escalating. A crack that extends into the glass or is too large to be covered by tape must be completely replaced.
The excitement of a pet when you open the door could cause broken glass. The frames of your window can move over time and crack the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
Wear gloves that are thick when you've broken a pane of glass. Set up a cardboard box close to the pane in order to catch any shards. Remove the sash and work on a level surface, like the table. Wear a mask to prevent breathing in the glass fragments.
After removing the old glass, remove any varnish and paint from the window frame. You could also use a heat gun to soften any old glazing putty as well as metal glazing points that kept the glass in the first place.
Then, you can measure the opening of the new glass. window repairs should always order your replacement glass slightly smaller than the original opening to allow for expansion and contraction. You can ask your local hardware store or home center cut it according to these measurements.
Once you have the new glass, you can press it into the frame. If there are gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk that you can buy at a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty blade. Attach glazier's tips to the corners of the glass frame every six inches, to ensure that they hold the pane securely in place.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, whether they are old or brand new. This is particularly true in winter when colder air comes into contact with warmer glass. This can cause problems however it's not usually a big problem. Condensation on windows is a sign your double glazing system is functioning correctly.
It could be a sign that your seal is leaking and moisture is leaking through the gap. You may notice a milky appearance on the window or water beads appearing across its surface, and this must be addressed to stop mold, mildew or any further damage.
Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill small holes in the window's frame to allow the trapped moisture escape. This process is referred to as defogging. It can also aid in removing any stains that are caused by the trapped moisture.
Defrogging doesn't fix the underlying issue of a faulty window seal. It may not even work if the condensation has gone away due to the damaged air between the panes might remain. This could mean that you are not getting as much heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
It's important to consult an expert as soon as you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents to the windows to let fresh air in but do not allow warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't want is for your double-glazed unit to fail, particularly when this can be costly to replace. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, skills and equipment, it's possible to repair your double-glazed and keep it in great condition for years to come. If you require repairs to your double glazing contact us today to see how we can help. We provide a wide range of services that range from replacing one or more panes of glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a big problem as it means that you could have damp ingress, which could lead to damage. It's costly to fix, and is usually an indication that your home is suffering from other issues like mould or dry rot. This is why it's important to take care of leaks as soon as possible.
If you notice that you feel a draft coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely the seal inside the sealed unit has been damaged. It could also mean there is no longer any gas called argon in the panes of glass which is used for insulation purposes. A specialist technician can reseal your window to solve this issue.
Sometimes dirt can cause a double glazed window to be cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that seal is getting worn out and the glass needs to be cleaned. This can be done by a professional using high-pressure water jets which will quickly clean the glass of any dirt or debris.
However, if condensation is developing between the two glass panes of your double glazing then this is an indication that the seal has opened an open and there is no argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious problem and indicates that your double glazed window does not protect your home as effectively as it ought to. This can be repaired by replacing the glass unit, however it will need to be done earlier rather than later, as the performance of your double glazed window will have been affected.
If you own new double glazed windows that are under guarantee, you should contact the company that installed them and inform them of any issues with the units, or the sealing of the glass, as it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. The warranty will be void if you attempt to repair the units yourself or tamper them. We suggest that you employ an expert in double glazing repair.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame to keep the glass panes together and keep them in place, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Ice snow, high winds and storms that are violent can harm your windows. If you see cracks, dents or holes in your windows, contact an expert to repair your double glazing.
If you notice water running down the sides of the window, it may be a sign that the seal on the inside is cracked and allows water into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could be bending or warping. You'll need to replace your window seal and reinstall it into the frame in order to correct this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. prevent heat from escaping your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically comprised of uPVC, aluminum or timber and hold the glass in the right place. When window seals fail to break down, you can encounter issues such as the loss of energy, draughts or windows that have mist.
The failure of the insulating gases in double-glazed windows is a common reason for misting windows. The argon gasses keep the glass in place and form an airtight seal however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gases could escape. The gases released by argon can cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal and re-inserting glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to avoid any further condensation. The best method to do this is to call in an expert to do the work for you.
Double-glazed windows are important however they can also be damaged and need to be repaired. The majority of windows can be repaired without needing to replace them. To do this, it's 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, nail polish, and a plastic sheet that is cut to size.