Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing, you may be wondering if they can be fixed.

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 pane becomes damaged or cracked, it allows air to flow more easily, reducing the effectiveness of windows as insulation and barrier against the elements. This can allow 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 in your double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to apply a strong-hold tape. This is only temporary fix, and may only prevent the crack from getting worse. To ensure the best results, a reputable window repair company should be called to repair any damaged glass in your double glazed windows.

It can be dangerous and difficult to repair windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large you can use a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the glass is removed, place it flat onto many layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.

To install a replacement pane it is necessary to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 - 1/8 inch in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit correctly. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, you can purchase points for glaziers from a hardware store to place them on the outside of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty flush with the glass.

After the new pane is in place, spread an even layer of your glazing compound with the help of a putty knife. Make use of a linseed-oil-based glue like Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill in any gaps between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is level and even around the pane.

Water Leaks

The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that happens when the window sealant has degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks around the window repairs near me can damage the drywall or plaster and can cause damp walls.

A double-glazed window that is of good quality will come with a gasket that compresses firmly when the sash closes. The water that enters this area must be drained through the weepholes in the frame. Sometimes the weep hole can be blocked by dirt and other debris. The weather stripping might need to be replaced.

The lintel on top of the window can also be the source of leaks. The people who built the house may not have realized that the lintel needs to be let to drain properly or they could have just covered it with concrete, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to be able to enter and collect around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The builders could have placed bent fascia boards over the windows to ensure water is directed correctly. This will stop water getting into the building.

Another potential leak could be the gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed unit. It is possible that the gas argon or Krypton that should be positioned between the glass to provide insulation has escaped out from the windows due to an old seal. Although this is not the most serious issue with leaky windows but it could have a negative impact on energy efficiency. It should be addressed as quickly as possible. In this instance, double glazing replacement may be required. A professional can complete an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They will be able to tell you whether it is advisable to repair the window or replace it completely. They can also provide an estimate for any work that is needed.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's typically an easy fix. This is caused by an absence of air flow around the window and often occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. The droplets will disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it's worth looking further.

Another indication of condensation is if you can hear water dripping. This is usually caused by a leak in the seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if there is this noise. This will prevent cold drafts entering your home. This type of problem can cause mould over time It is therefore recommended to get the window fixed as soon as you can.

A professional can inspect your window and suggest the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the space between them, this will dry out any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is reapplied.

Windowpane seals that fail are the main reason for condensation issues with double glazing. Cool air gets into double-paned windows when the window seal fails, causing them to get clogged. If this happens it is possible that simple fixes will aid, but in most cases, the best solution is to replace the window.

The majority of double-glazed windows have an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two glass panes. The 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 causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can break or crack, and in this case it is often necessary to replace the entire window.

You can repair some of the issues yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. This will not only save you a huge amount of time, it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest possible quality. Employing a reputable tradesperson could also mean you receive some form of guarantee for the work that is completed which you wouldn't get with DIY jobs.

Shattering

Double glazing is a wonderful innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating costs, while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It's not impervious to damage and there are issues that can arise occasionally. In some cases these flaws could be dangerous if not addressed promptly enough.

Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk, then it's important to fix them as soon as you can. Issues such as misting or leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and also leave them looking unsightly.

It is often far cheaper to fix your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you see any indications of trouble with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and getting estimates. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose offers an assurance on their work.

Double-glazed windows are sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is made up of the two glass panes, a space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from leaking into the gap that acts as an insulation. Some IGUs contain Argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, it is possible to purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer, and then installed on the frame. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for many households.

It could be possible to repair the damaged glass dependent on the frame type and condition of your window. This is usually the case when it has just developed a few minor cracks, but has not broken. If the double-glazed windows are completely broken, it is best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.