Don't Forget Repairs To Double Glazed Windows: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing, you might be wondering if they could be fixed.
You may be able to claim your double glazing under warranty depending on the problem and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is damaged or cracked, air can pass through more easily. This reduces the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and also against the elements. Based on the season this could cause warm or cold air to escape or enter your home, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to utilize an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is a temporary fix, and could just prevent the crack from getting worse. To get the best results, a professional window repair service should be called to repair any broken glass in your double glazed windows.
It could be risky and difficult to repair a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to use a razor to cut the glass away from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. Once the glass is removed then place it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a replacement pane you'll need to prepare the frame and buy replacement glass. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to make sure that your new pane is a good fit. Then, have the replacement glass cut according to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wooden frames, purchase glaziers points from a hardware store to place them on the edges of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.
Spread a thick layer using the blade of a putty maker after your new pane has been installed. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a cheaper product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame using the appropriate compound. Smooth the compound over your new pane to make sure it is level and even.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around a window's frame or sash are a typical issue. This happens when the sealant on windows has worn out and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window. They can also lead to damp or spongy walls that require to be repaired as soon as is possible.
A double-glazed window that is of good quality will come with a gasket that compresses firmly when the sash closes. Any water that gets into this area must be drained away via the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can become blocked due to dirt and other debris. Or, the weather stripping could need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel, which is a support for the brick that is above the window. The people who built the house may not have realized that this lintel must be let to drain properly or they may have simply put it in concrete and left gaps that allow rainwater to get in and build up around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The builders should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed windows could also be the cause of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most serious leaky window problem it can affect energy efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance, replacement double glazing may be a good idea. A professional can perform an exhaustive assessment and let you know the cause of the leak. They can also suggest solutions. They will also help you decide whether it is better to repair or replace the window. They can also provide an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it is typically an easy solution. This is due to an absence of air circulation around the windows and occurs in areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. These droplets will rapidly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists, it's worth looking further.
Another indication of condensation is if you hear water drippy. This could be because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. double glazing repair Dover will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem can cause mold in the long run It is therefore recommended to fix the window when you can.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most efficient method of tackling this problem, as they can suggest the best course of action. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two. This will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is reapplied.
Failing windowpane seals are the primary cause of condensation issues with double glazing. When the window seal fails, it allows cool air to enter double-paned glass windows, making them to fog. If this occurs, it is possible that simple fixes will assist, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.
The majority of double-glazed windows feature spacer bars that sit between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that might occur, therefore preventing it from reaching the glass panes and causing condensation. The spacer bar is susceptible to breaking or cracking, and it's often necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if you have the right tools, but it's normally better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. This will not only save you a huge amount of time, it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and with the best quality possible. A trusted tradesman will also provide you with a warranty for the work completed that you wouldn't receive if you tried to do it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. But it's not impervious to damage and occasionally issues can arise. These faults can be dangerous in some cases if they are not corrected promptly.
As such, if you have noticed any problems with your double glazing that could be putting your family members in danger It is crucial to fix them as soon as you can. Problems such as misting or water leaks can compromise the effectiveness of windows and make them look unsightly.
Repairing double-glazed windows can be more cost-effective than replacing them. If you spot any indications of trouble with your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and requesting estimates. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best option and ensure that the firm offers a guarantee on their work.
A double-glazed window will be sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes that have a space in between, and a rubber gasket that stops water from entering the gap. Some IGUs contain argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the home and saves money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for most households.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass dependent on the kind of frame and condition of the window. If the glass has formed just a few tiny chips, but not been damaged, this is typically the case. If the double-glazed window is completely broken, it is recommended to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.