Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can develop problems. For instance it might become difficult to open the windows or have doors that get stuck. These problems can be easily fixed.
Many homeowners try to fix these issues on their own, however, timber this should be left to experts. Trying to do this without the right tools and experience could cause damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged window can be a frustrating and a hassle. It could let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that lets in dirt or moisture. This could also affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will have to work harder to keep your home cool. You may be able, depending on the weather conditions and whether your windows are single-paned or double-paned, to repair the damage for a short period of time by using a silicone sealant. For a permanent fix, you will need professional assistance.
A damaged window can be fixed with strong-duty tape. A tape strip placed over a crack can stop it from worsening. A crack that extends through the glass or is too big to cover with tape, will need to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can result from many things: a pebble from the lawnmower that lands on the window; drinking a drink that is set too heavily on a table with a glass top or a pet’s euphoric leap when you open the door. It could also happen naturally as the frames of your windows shift slightly over time and break the special packaging material that keeps the glass sheets in the right place.
If you’ve broken a glass pane, put on heavy gloves and place a cardboard box nearby to collect the shards. Remove the sash and work on a level surface, like the table. Wear a mask to prevent breathing in the glass shattering.
Once the old glass has been removed, remove any varnish or paint from the frame of the window. You can use a heatgun to soften the old glazing putty or metal glazing points which held the glass in position.
You can then measure the opening for a new glass. It is best to order your replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening of the original to allow for expansion and contraction. You can have your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these measurements.
Once you have your new glass, you can press it into the frame. If there are any gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk, which you can purchase from a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Attach glazier’s tips to the corners of the glass and frame about every six inches, so that they hold the pane securely in the frame.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, regardless of whether they are old or new. This is particularly the case in winter when colder air comes into contact with warmer glass. While it can cause some issues, it’s generally a problem. This is because condensation on windows actually indicates that your double-glazed is functioning properly.
It could be an indication that your seal is failing and moisture is leaking through the gap. There may be an appearance of milky water on the window, or water beads appearing across its surface. This must be addressed to prevent mold, mildew or any further damage.
Thankfully condensation can be eliminated very easily. A technician will drill small holes into the window’s frame to allow the trapped moisture to escape. The process is referred to as defogging and can also aid in the removal of any stains caused by the trapped moisture.
It’s important to note, however, that defogging doesn’t fix the underlying problem of a leaky seal. In fact, it might not do so even if the condensation is gone, because the compromised air between the panes is still there. This could mean you are not getting as much heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
It is important to speak with an expert as soon as you notice moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They may be able to suggest a solution like putting vents in the windows to let fresh air in, but not allowing warm air to escape.
The last thing you would like is for your double-glazed unit to fail, particularly when this can be costly to replace. With the right skills, knowledge and equipment, it is possible to fix your double glazing and keep it in good condition for years to come. Contact us today for double glazing repairs. We offer a wide range of services, from replacing one or several panes of tempered glass, to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a huge problem as it means that there is a possibility of damp ingress, which could cause damage. It can be costly to fix and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mould. This is why it’s important to take care of leaks as soon as you can.
If you notice an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it’s likely that the seal within the sealed unit has failed. It could also mean there is no gas argon between the glass panes that is used for insulation purposes. A specialist technician can replace your window to solve this problem.
Double glazed windows can become cloudy or misty due dirt. This is usually a sign that the seal is degrading, and the glass should be cleaned. This can be done by a specialist using high-pressure water jets that quickly clear the glass of any dirt or debris.
If condensation forms between the two panes of your double glazing, it’s an indication that the seal is leaky and that there is not any argon remaining between the glass. This is a serious issue and suggests that your double glazing is not protect your home as properly as it should. The glass unit can be replaced, but you will need to do it sooner rather than later because the performance of your double glazed window has been affected.
If you have double-glazed windows that are under warranty, you should call their installer and report any problems with the units or seal of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will be able to address these issues. The warranty will be void when you attempt to repair the units yourself or alter them. This is why we recommend that you use a specialist double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
In areas of extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame which can hold the glass panes. Ice snow high winds and storms that are tumultuous can cause damage to your windows. Contact a professional for repairs to double glazing if you see cracks, dents, or holes.
If you notice that water is leaking from the bottom of the window, it may be an indication that the seal on the inside is broken and allowing water into your home. The uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could also be bent or warped. To correct this, you will have to replace the window seal and then re-insert it into the frame.
window replacement near me seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. They keep heat from entering your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically comprised of uPVC, aluminum or timber and hold the glass in place. If the window seals break down, you can encounter issues such as draughts, energy loss and windows that have mist.
Misting windows are a typical issue and are the result of the gas that insulates the double-glazed window doctor near me failing. The argon gas holds the glass in place and makes an airtight seal. However when the seal is damaged or worn out, it may allow gases to escape. The argon gas could cause condensation between the glass panes when it escapes.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal, re-inserting the glass, and then applying an anti-fogging agent to avoid condensation from occurring in the future. It is recommended to hire professionals to do the job for you.
Double-glazed windows are essential, but they can be damaged and require to be repaired. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be restored without the need for replacement. It is best to have some basic tools on hand. You’ll need a an insulated glove, a tape, transparent film or nail polish, scotchtape and an aluminum sheet.