Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can cause problems, like being difficult to open windows or doors that is snagged. Fortunately these problems can be solved without difficulty.
Many homeowners will try to fix these issues themselves. However it should be left to the experts. If you attempt to fix this without the right tools and experience could lead to damage.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue. It can let cold or hot air in your home and leave a gap which lets in debris or moisture. It can also decrease the efficiency of your energy bills, as your AC and furnace must work harder to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the season and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily fix the damage using silicone sealant. For a permanent fix, you will need professional help.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to repair a cracked window. A piece of tape could be placed over the crack to prevent it from getting any worse. However cracks that extend all the way through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will require to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can result from many things: a pebble from the lawnmowers that hits the window; a drink set down too heavily on a glass-topped table or a pet's exuberant jump when you open the front door. The frames of your window could shift over time and break the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in position.
Wear thick work gloves in the event of a broken pane of glass. Place a cardboard box near the pane to catch any shards. Then remove the sash from the frame and work on a flat surface, such as tables. Wear a mask so as not to breathe in the glass shattering.
Once the old glass has been removed, clean any varnish or paint that is on the window's frame. You can also use a heat gun to soften any old glazing putty and metal glazing points that were used to hold the glass in place.
Then, you can measure the opening for a new glass. To allow for expansion and contracting you should always purchase an alternative glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. Visit your local hardware store or home center cut the glass according to these dimensions.
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 that you can buy at a home improvement store. Then, smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Add glazier's points to corners of the glass frame about every six inches, so that they secure the pane in the right place.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are old or brand new it's quite common for them to experience condensation. This is especially the case in winter, when colder air is able to meet warm glass. It can be a problem but it's not typically an issue. This is because condensation on windows actually means that your double glazing is working properly.
However, it could be a sign that the seal is failing and water is leaking through the gap between the window panes. If you notice a milky appearance on your window or water beads appear on its surface, this needs to be addressed to stop the growth of mold, mildew, or 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. This process is referred to as defogging. It can also aid in the removal of any stains caused by trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the root issue of a failing window seal. In fact, it might not be able to do so even in the event that the condensation is gone, as the compromised air that was in between the panes is still there. This could mean that you still not get as much insulation from your windows as you could.
If you've noticed that moisture is build-up in your windows it's a good idea to speak with an expert as soon as you can to determine what the next steps should be. They may recommend an option such as putting in vents to windows that allow fresh air to enter but don't allow warm air to escape.
The last thing you want is for your double glazing to fail, particularly when this can be costly to replace. With the right skills, equipment and knowledge, you can repair your double glazing to keep it in good working order for a long time. If you need repair work on your double glazing contact us today to see what we can do to help. We provide a range of services that range from replacing one or more panes of glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a huge issue as it indicates that you may have damp ingress, which could cause damage. It can be costly to fix, and is usually an indication that your house has other problems such as mould or dry rot. It's crucial to fix a leak as quickly as possible.
If you experience a draught coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely the seal inside the sealed unit has been damaged. This may also mean that there is no longer any gas called argon in the glass panes that is used to insulate the windows. This issue can be solved by a specialist technician who will repair the window.
Double-glazed windows can turn cloudy or misty due to dirt. This is typically a sign that the seal is getting worn out and the glass must be cleaned. A specialist can do this using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.
If condensation forms between the two panes of your double glazing, it's an indication that the seal is leaking and that there is not any argon left between the glass. This is a serious problem and indicates that your double glazing does not adequately insulate your home properly as it should. The glass unit can be replaced, but you will need to do it sooner rather than later due to the performance of your double glazed window has been impacted.
If you have new double glazed windows that are under warranty, you must contact the company who installed them and report any problems with the units or the sealing of the glass, as it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. If you attempt to play with the units or try to fix them yourself, this could invalidate the warranty, and you should leave these repairs to the professionals. This is the reason we suggest using a specialist double glazing repair service.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame to keep the glass panes together and hold them in place, especially in extreme weather areas. Ice snow high winds, and tumultuous storms can all cause damage to your windows. If you notice cracks dents or holes in your windows, contact a professional for a double glazing repair.
If you notice water running down the sides of get more info the window, it may be an indication that the seal inside is broken and let in water into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might be bending or warping. You'll need to replace your window seal and then reinstall it into the frame in order to fix this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. stop heat escaping from your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. These window seals are usually comprised of uPVC, aluminum or timber and keep the glass in place. If the window seals fail, you could experience problems such as draughts, energy loss and windows that have mist.
Misting windows are a typical problem and is due to the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window deteriorating. The argon gas holds the glass in place and forms an airtight seal, but if the seal is damaged or worn, it could allow the gases to escape. The escaped argon gases can lead to condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal and then re-installing glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to avoid future condensation. It is best to hire professionals to do the work for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows, they are not impervious to damage and will need to be repaired at times. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be restored without the necessity of replacement. To do this, it's recommended to have a few basic tools on hand. You'll need gloves to protect yourself and a tape measure, scotch tape, or a transparent film and nail polish, and a plastic sheet that is cut to size.