Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and are beginning to show signs of failure, you may be wondering if they could be repaired.
Depending on what the issue is and how long ago you purchased them, you may be in a position to get your double glazing replaced under warranty.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken or cracked air can enter more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home based on the time of year. The cost of cooling and heating will increase.
If the crack is not too deep, you might be able to apply a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is only a temporary fix, and will just stop the crack from getting worse. A professional window repair company can fix any damaged glass on double-glazed windows.
It could be risky and difficult to replace windows on your own. If the crack is too big to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to take it off. If the crack is not too large it is possible to employ a slicing tool to remove the glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. Once the glass is removed, place it flat onto several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a new glass pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and then prepare the frame. To ensure that your new glass is a good fit take a measurement of the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wood frames, you can purchase points for glaziers from hardware stores to put around the edges of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.
After the new pane has been placed and you are happy with it, apply a thick layer of your glazing compound with the help of a putty knife. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue like Sarco or a lesser product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the frame and the new pane using the appropriate compound. Smooth the compound over your new pane to make sure it is level and even.
Water Leaks
The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that can occur when window sealant has become degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can result in damp or spongy walls that require to be repaired as soon as is feasible.
A double-glazed window of good quality will come with a gasket that compresses firmly when the sash closes. Any water that hits this area should be drained away through the weep holes located in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, however, the weep holes get blocked by a build-up dirt and debris, or the weather stripping around the window could need to be replaced.
The lintel above the window could also be an area of leaks. The builders who constructed the house may not have realized that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly or they could have just covered it with concrete, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter and pool around the window, causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
Another source of leaks is the gap that exists between the glass panes of a double-glazed unit. A worn seal could have caused the argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak. Although this isn't a particularly serious leaky window problem, it will impact on energy efficiency and should be addressed as soon as possible. In this instance replacement double glazing might be appropriate. A professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They can also advise whether it is better to fix or replace the window. They will also be able to give you a quote for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation may be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, this is generally an easy fix. This is due to the lack of air flow around the window, and typically occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Droplets of water on the glass surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated up by sunlight. However, if the problem persists, it is worth looking further.
It is also possible to hear the sound of water drip. This is most likely caused by a leak in the seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound, then a repair is highly recommended since it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can cause mold in time, so it is best to fix the window as quickly as possible.
A professional can examine your window and suggest the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two. This will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a good seal is reapplied.
Double condensation in the glazing is caused by defective windowpane seals. When the window seal fails, it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them fog. If this happens, it is possible that simple fixes can aid, but in most cases the best solution is to replace the window.
Most double glazed windows have an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two panes of glass. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that may be present, thereby stopping it from getting to the glass panes and creating condensation. This spacer bar is prone to breaking or cracking and it's often necessary to replace the entire window.
You can do some repairs yourself with the right tools. However, it's more common to hire a professional who is trained to do this. This will not just save you a good deal of time, but it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest possible quality. Using a trusted tradesman can be a good idea as it will give you some type of guarantee for the work that is completed that you would not get from DIY work.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that allows homeowners to reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. But it's not impervious to damage and occasionally problems can occur. These flaws could be dangerous in certain instances when they aren't addressed quickly.
As such, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family members at risk it is essential to fix them as soon as possible. Faults like misting and water leaks can reduce the efficiency of windows and make them appear ugly.
Repairing double-glazed windows can be more cost-effective than replacing them. So, if you have noticed any signs of problems with your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies that specialise in the repair of double glazed windows and asking for quotes. The most affordable quote might not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose to work with offers a guarantee with their work.
Double-glazed windows are sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). window repairs near me Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes with a space in between, and a rubber gasket that prevents water from leaking into the gap. Some IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the home and saves money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, a replacement can be bought from a window manufacturer and then installed on the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is more cost-effective for a lot of households.
Based on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to repair the damaged part. This is typically the case when it has just developed a few minor cracks, but has not broken. If the double-glazed window has completely shattered then it is best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.