10 Things Your Competition Can Learn About Repairs To Double Glazed Windows

Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to show signs that they are in danger, you might wonder whether they could be repaired.

You might be able to get your double glazing repaired under warranty based on the issue and when you bought it.

Broken Panes

If a window's glass is cracked or broken air can flow through more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and against the elements. Depending on the time of year this could cause cold or hot air to flow into or out of your home, which can increase heating and cooling costs.

If the crack in your double glazing is not too deep, it might be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary solution however, and may only prevent the crack from getting worse. To get the most effective results, a professional window repair company should be called to repair any damaged glass in your double glazed windows.

It can be dangerous and difficult to repair a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscross pattern before trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large, you can employ a slicing tool to cut the glass away from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. After the pane has been cut, you will need to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.

In order to install a replacement pane, you'll need to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Then, you can have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wooden frames, you can purchase glaziers points from a hardware shop to install along the edge of your new pane. Be sure to position the points in a manner that will allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flat against the glass.

Once your new pane has been placed then spread a thick layer of your glazing compound using a putty knife. Make use of a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If you notice any gaps between your new pane and the frame, fill them in with the chosen compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level around the pane.

Water Leaks

The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common problem that occurs when window sealant has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Water leaks in the window can cause damage to the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.

A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which expands with force when the sash closes. Any water that gets into this area must be drained away through the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes be blocked due to dirt and debris. Or, the weather stripping may need replacing.

Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel that holds the bricks above the window. Installers who built the house may not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or they could have clad it in concrete, which left a gap in which rainwater can enter and repairer accumulate, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The builders could have placed an angled fascia board above the windows to ensure that water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be a cause of leaks. It is possible that gas argon or Krypton that should be positioned between the glass to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows due to an old seal. Although this isn't a particularly serious issue with leaky windows, it will impact on energy efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance replacement double glazing might be the best option. A professional can complete a full evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They can also tell you if it is better to repair or replace the window. They will also provide an estimate for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent problem in older double glazed windows and doors, but this can usually be easily solved. This is due to the lack of air circulation around the window and often occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Droplets of water on the glass surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. These droplets will quickly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it is worth looking further.

Another sign of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is usually due to a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts entering your home. This type of issue can cause mould in time, so it's best to fix the window as soon as you can.

Having a professional examine your window for condensation is the most efficient method of tackling this problem, as they will be able to suggest the best procedure to take. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two. This will dry out any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is reapplied.

The windowpane seals failing are the main reason for condensation problems with double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the window seal breaks and they begin to fog up. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution is to replace the windows.

The majority of double-glazed windows have a'spacer' bar that sits between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that may occur, therefore stopping it from getting to the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar may crack or break, and in this case it is typically required to replace the entire window.

It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if have the appropriate tools, but it's normally better to hire an experienced professional to carry out this for you. This will not only save you a great amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired properly and of the highest quality. A trusted tradesman will also provide you with a guarantee on the work done that you could not receive if you tried to do it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is an amazing invention that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills, whilst keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It is not indestructible and there are issues that can arise occasionally. These issues can be dangerous in some instances if they are not corrected quickly.

If you notice any problems with your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it is important to fix them as quickly as possible. Faults such as misting and repairer leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows, and can make them look unattractive.

It's usually more cost effective to repair your double-glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you notice any signs of trouble in your double glazing it is worth researching local companies who specialize in double glazed window repairs and asking for quotes. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Be sure that the company you choose offers the guarantee of their work.

A double-glazed window will be sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes that have an area between them, and a rubber gasket that stops water from entering the gap. Certain IGUs contain Argon, a gas that keeps heat from leaving the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then you can purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer, and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for a lot of households.

It is possible to repair the damaged window dependent on the frame type and condition of the window. This is usually the case when it has only developed a few small cracks, but has not broken. If your double glazed window has completely broken and is cracked, then it's best to replace the entire glass unit as well as the window sash.