10 Double Glazing Window Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend
Double Glazing Window Repairs
Getting your double glazing window repairs completed will ensure that they function properly and help you save money on heating costs. A professional will employ specific tools and will know how to complete the task correctly.
They can also provide advice on the most efficient energy-saving technologies available. The majority of windows with double glazing have a warranty of 10 or 20 years, but some give lifetime guarantees.
Broken Panes
Cracks in double-glazing are not only unsightly, they also create a barrier that allows cold and heat to enter or leave your home. The good news is, the majority of broken panes can be repaired without replacing the entire window. To stop the crack from spreading, tape the area with packing or masking tape. The tape should be extended past the glass edges on both sides. You can also cover the area with plastic, such as a tarp, garbage bag or a tarp, to block bugs, rain, and other animals.
Then, you can remove the glass pane from its frame with the help of a utility knife and a pair gloves. Make sure to take the glass out in one swift move rather than breaking it into small shards. Be careful, because glass pieces that have broken could fall and cause further damage. It's important to recycle old glass in a proper manner.
After you've removed the old window, it is going to need to take measurements of the opening of the new pane. Take your measurements carefully, and remember that wood expands and contracts with time. To ensure that the new pane will fit perfectly it is best to subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch from each side of the measurement. Then, have a piece double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions, and buy enough glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the perimeter of the windowpane.
A professional will drill holes into the window and close the gaps using an adhesive liquid. This creates an impermeable barrier that will keep your home dry and warm. The process takes anywhere from a few hours to several days, and it's important to let the sealant dry before proceeding.
While some double-paned windows can be repaired using this method, it is generally recommended to replace the window if you experience condensation, draughts, or other issues that cannot be solved by drilling or taping. Additionally, since special tools are required for the repair properly, it's not always recommended to attempt the repair yourself unless you're a skilled DIYer.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern when the temperature or humidity of a room fluctuates. It creates water droplets on cold surfaces and could get trapped between double glazing in the event that the seal fails. It's not usually a major problem, and you can take a few steps before calling in window repair experts.
One alternative is to use a hairdryer with low heat (and at an appropriate distance) to evaporate any stagnant moisture that's trapped in between your windows. This is a temporary solution that will not stop condensation from recurring until the root of the issue is fixed. A permanent solution is to ensure that you have adequate ventilation in your home and that you balance humidity levels. This will help you save money on energy bills and help to reduce the chance of damp and mould developing around your windows.
A defogger is a different method to stop condensation. This is a small hole that's drilled into the inside of the double-glazed unit and a cleaning solution is then applied, which is able to remove any moisture from the air. This is only an interim solution and is not guaranteed to eliminate the condensation over time. However, you may find that this is an option that is affordable until you can have your window professionally repaired.
Visible condensation could be a sign that the sealant between the double paned windows have failed. If you notice this, it's essential to call your double glazing company immediately and get any issues addressed in writing. This will help if you need to make use of your warranty later on.
You could also try lubricating any hinges, mechanisms, or handles on your double-glazing to see whether this helps. You can also try a dry cloth to wipe away any haze that might be present, but remember that this won't fix the underlying issue that is the absence of a clean and dry space between your windows. If double glazing repairs cost are unable to solve this problem, it could be necessary to replace your window.
Draughts
There's nothing more annoying than a cold breeze coming through your double-glazed windows - it can make your entire home feel cold, even though the rest of your home is warm. Draughts that are common can be easily repaired and will save you money on your energy bill.
A draught is usually caused by gaps around doors and windows. Poorly fitted plaster, loose or rotting timber, even loose paintwork can cause draughts. Draught-proofing is an inexpensive method of reducing your energy bills. It stops warm air from escaping your home during winter and cold air from entering in summer, which means you don't need to keep heating your home to a high temperature.
Fitting draught-proofing strips is the best way to prevent drafts. These are available in a variety of materials like brush, foam or rubber strips that can be positioned around the bottom of the door, or along the sides or the top of the frame. Draught-proofing is also available for casement and sash windows. You can add brushes to sliding sash window and rubber strips to casement windows.
You could also try using a draught-exclusion device in the gap under your floorboards in order to stop warm air from rising and creating an air draught. This is only effective in the event that your floorboards aren't carpeted. You can also put a vent cover for an open fire, even if it's not being used and seal the gaps between sinks, around extractor fan vents in chimneys, and in any other unused vents in your house.
Misted double glazing is a common problem, which can be easily fixed by establishing an entirely new seal. Many double glazing firms will offer drilling holes in the glass unit and insert an plug. However, this is just a temporary solution. It is recommended to contact the company that installed and sold your double-glazed to ask them to repair the glass unit. It may cost a little more however it is much cheaper than replacing the entire window.
Mist
Condensation between the panes in double-glazed windows can cause mist. The sealant that holds the glass together blocks the moisture from escaping, however it can be damaged or worn down by accidental collisions or due to weathering and aging. It is important to fix this issue quickly since it can lead to various issues for homeowners, from mould and damp to high energy bills.
Fortunately, there is a quick and easy way to fix this problem without replacing the entire window. Making a few tiny holes in the window unit allows you to put in a desiccant pack that will absorb any condensation. This will solve the problem and keep your windows looking clear again.
There are companies that can drill holes in your double-glazed units on your behalf. This is costly and requires some practical knowledge and experience to be successful.
In some cases it may be required that the window be replaced if it has suffered other serious damage, such as extensive rot, or severe cracks. This is particularly true if you are looking to upgrade to A-rated Low E glass for better insulation and savings on your heating bills.
It is best to call the company who installed your double glazing. They will be able to repair the misting or offer you an offer on a replacement unit depending on whether it is still under warranty. For general maintenance and care of your double glazed windows, you should regularly checking the mechanisms as well as the hinges, handles and any areas where the windows or doors go through the frame for signs of wear and tear. Keep your double glazing clean to avoid moisture or condensation between the panes. If you are having difficulty opening or closing your windows, lubricate the hinges and mechanisms with some oil or grease.