Speak "Yes" To These 5 Double Glazing Window Repair Tips
Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time double glazing may develop problems such as difficult to open windows or a door that is snagged. These issues are easily solved.
Many homeowners will attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to professionals. Trying to do this without the right tools and experience could cause damage.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane can be a stressful and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air into your home and leave a gap which lets in dirt or moisture. This can affect the efficiency of your AC or furnace will have to work harder to keep your home cool. Depending on the season and whether you have single-pane or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily repair the damage using silicone sealant. For a permanent fix, you will need professional help.
A window that is cracked can be repaired with heavy-duty tape. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to prevent it from getting worse. However, a crack that goes all through the glass or one that is too big to be covered by tape will have to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from the lawnmower that hits the window; drinking a drink that is set too heavily on a table with a glass top; or a pet's excited jump when you open the front door. The frames of your window can shift over time and break the plastic that holds the glass sheets in place.
If you've got a broken glass pane, wear thick work gloves and put an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to catch the fragments. 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 fragments.
After you have removed the old glass, remove any paint and varnish from the window frame. You can use a heatgun to soften old glazing putty or even the metal points that held the glass in position.
You can then take measurements of the opening to make a new glass. To allow for expansion and contracting you should always purchase an alternative glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. Make sure that your local hardware or home center cut the glass according to these measurements.
Once you have the new glass, press it into the frame. If there are gaps, fill them with silicone caulk which is available at a local home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty blade. Add glazier's points to the edges of the glass frame every six inches, so that they secure the pane in place.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, regardless of whether they are old or brand new. This is especially the case in winter when colder air meets warm glass. While it could cause a problem, it's not typically a major issue. This is because condensation on windows means that your double glazing is working properly.
It could be a sign that your seal is failing and moisture is leaking through the gap. You may notice an appearance of milky water on the window, or water beads appearing across the surface. This will need to be dealt with to prevent the growth of mould, mildew or further damage.
Fortunately condensation can be eliminated quickly. A technician will drill a tiny number of holes in the window frame, which allows the moisture trapped to go away. This process is called defogging. It can also be used to remove staining caused by moisture that has been trapped.
It's important to note, however, that defogging doesn't fix the underlying problem of a leaky seal. It could be ineffective if the condensation has gone away due to the damaged air between the panes might remain. This could mean that you're not getting as much insulation as you could from your windows.
If you've noticed that moisture is growing in your windows, it's a good idea to speak with an expert as quickly as you can to determine what the next steps need to be. They could suggest a solution such as adding vents in the windows to let fresh air in but do not allow warm air to escape.
The final thing you want is for your double-glazed unit to fail, particularly when it's costly to replace. With the right equipment, skills and knowledge, you can repair your double glazing to keep it in good shape for many years. Contact us today if you need double glazing repairs. We offer a full range of services including replacing one or more panes glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak can be a major issue as it indicates that there is a possibility of damp ingress, which could cause damage. It's expensive to fix and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. This is why it's important to fix a leak as soon as you can.
If you notice a draught coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that the seal within the sealed unit has failed. It could also mean there is no longer any argon gas between the panes of glass which is used to create insulation. A specialist technician can replace your window to resolve this issue.
Sometimes, dirt may cause a double glazed window to become cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that the seal is failing and the glass must be cleaned. A professional can do this using high-pressure water jets to swiftly clean the glass.
If however, condensation is developing between the two glass panes of your double glazing then this is a sign that the seal has opened to leak and that there is no argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious issue and suggests that your double glazing is not adequately insulate your home properly as it should. It can be fixed by replacing the glass unit, but it should be done earlier rather than later, as the performance of your double-glazed window will have been affected.
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 unlikely that the warranty will be able to address these issues. You will lose your warranty when you attempt to repair the units yourself or alter them. This is the reason we suggest using a specialist double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
In areas of extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame that can keep the glass panes in place. Ice snow, high winds and storms that are violent can harm your windows. Contact a professional for repairs to double glazing if you spot cracks, dents or holes.
If you notice that water is flowing out from the bottom of your window, it could be a sign that there is a broken seal inside the window. This lets moisture enter your home. The uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be bent or warped. You'll need to replace your window seal and reinstall it inside the frame to correct this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. They keep heat from entering your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. These window seals are usually comprised of upvc window repairs, aluminum or timber and keep the glass in place. There are issues like the loss of energy and draughts if the window seals fail.
The failure of the insulating gases in double-glazed windows is a common reason for windows to mist. The argon gas helps keep the glass in place and creates an airtight seal, but in the event that the seal is damaged or worn out, it can let the gases escape. The argon gas can cause condensation between the glass panes when it escapes.
The issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to stop future condensation. It is best to hire professionals to do the work for you.
Double-glazed windows are crucial however they can also be damaged and require to be repaired. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be restored without the necessity of replacement. It is recommended to have some basic tools on hand. You'll need gloves to protect yourself, a tape measure, scotch tape or transparent film and nail polish, and a sheet of plastic that is cut to size.
