Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing could cause problems, like being difficult to open windows or doors that gets stuck. These issues can be easily resolved.
Many homeowners attempt to fix these issues themselves but this should be left to experts. Doing this without the right tools and expertise could result in damage.
Broken Panes
A window that is damaged is an annoying and inconvenient problem. It could let hot or cold air in your home, and leave a gap that allows dirt or moisture to get in. It also reduces your energy efficiency, as your AC and furnace have to perform more to keep your home warm. You might be able, dependent on the weather conditions and whether your windows are single-paned or double-paned to repair the damage temporarily using a silicone sealant. However, a permanent fix will require professional help.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to fix a damaged or cracked window. A strip of tape placed over a crack can stop it from getting worse. A crack that extends through the glass, or is too large to cover with tape, must be completely replaced.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from a lawnmower that hits the window; an unintentionally placed drink heavily on a glass-topped coffee table or a pet's exuberant leap when you open the door. It can also occur naturally as the frames of your windows shift slightly over time and break the protective packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
Wear thick work gloves when you've broken a pane of glass. Place a cardboard box close to the pane in order to catch any fragments. Take the sash off and work on an even surface, such as the table. Wear a mask to ensure not to breathe in the glass shards.
After the old glass has been removed, clean any varnish or paint that is on the frame of the window. You can use a heatgun to soften old glazing putty or even the metal points that held the glass in position.
Then, you can take measurements of the opening to make 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. Visit your local hardware store or home center cut the glass according to these dimensions.
Once you have the glass, press it into the frame. If there are gaps, fill them with silicone caulk which is available from a home improvement store. Then, smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the corners and frames of the glass about every six inches, so that the glass is held securely.
Condensation
Whether your double glazing windows are old or brand new it's common for them to experience condensation. This is particularly true in winter, when colder air collides with warm glass. While it could cause problems, it's not usually a major issue. Condensation on windows is a sign your double glazing system is working well.
It could be a sign that the seal is not working, and moisture is seeping through the crack between the window panes. If you notice a milky smudge on your window or water beads appear on the surface, it needs to be addressed in order to prevent mold, mildew, or further damage.
Luckily condensation can be eliminated quite easily. A technician will drill tiny holes into the frame of the window to let the moisture trapped to escape. The process is known as defogging. It can also aid in removing any stains caused by trapped moisture.
The defrogging process does not solve the root issue of a failing window seal. In fact, it may not even in the event that the condensation is gone, since the damaged air that was in between the panes is still there. This could mean that you still not receive as much heat insulation from your windows as you would like to.
If you've noticed that moisture is growing in your windows it's recommended to speak with an expert as quickly as you can to determine what the next steps need to be. They may be able to recommend a solution, such as adding vents in the windows to allow fresh air to enter but without permitting warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't would like to happen is for your double glazing to break down, especially when it's costly to replace. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, skills and equipment, it is possible to repair your double glazing and keep it in top condition for many years to come. If you need repairs to your double glazing, contact us today to discuss how we can help. We provide a range of services, from replacing one or more panes glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are costly to repair. It's expensive to fix, and it's usually a sign that your property is suffering from other issues like mould or dry rot. This is why it's important to take care of leaks promptly.
If you feel an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that the seal within the sealed unit has broken. This could also indicate that the gas used to insulate the glass panes has been taken away. This issue can be solved by an expert technician who will repair the window.
Double glazed windows can become cloudy or misty due to dirt. This usually means that the seal is degrading and the glass must be cleaned. A specialist can do this using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.
However, if condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes in your double glazing, it is an indication that the seal has developed an open and there is no argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and means that your double glazing is not effectively insulating your home, as it should. The glass unit is able to be replaced, but you will have to do it earlier rather than later due to the performance of the double-glazed window has been impacted.
If you have double-glazed windows that are under warranty, you must contact the installer and report any problems with the units or the sealing of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will cover these issues. If you attempt to play with the units or try to make any repairs yourself then this will invalidate your guarantee, so you should always leave these repairs to the experts. This is why we recommend using a specialist double glazing repair service.
Weather Damage
In areas that experience extreme weather, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame that can keep the glass panes in place. Ice, snow, high wind and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. If you notice cracks holes or dents in your window, call a professional for a double glazing repair.
If you notice that water is leaking from the bottom of window and door repair the window, it could be a sign that the seal inside has been damaged and is let in water into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could also be warping or bending. To fix this issue, you'll have to replace the window seal and then re-insert it into the frame.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. keep heat from entering your home and prevent condensation between the glass panes. The window seals, which help keep the glass in place, are made of uPVC or aluminum. You can experience problems like draughts and energy loss when the window seals fail.
The failure of the gaseous insulation in double-glazed windows is a common reason for windows to mist. The argon gasses keep the glass in place, and create an airtight sealing however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gas can escape. The gases released by argon could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The problem can be solved by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to stop future condensation. The best way to do this is to call in an expert to complete the work for you.
Double-glazed windows are important, but they can be damaged and require to be repaired. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired without the need for replacement. It is recommended to have some basic tools available. You'll need a protective glove, a tape, transparent film or scotchtape, nail polish and an aluminum sheet.