Over time double glazing may develop problems such as difficult to open windows or a door that is snagged. Fortunately the issues can be resolved without difficulty.
Many homeowners attempt to fix these issues on their own, however, this should be left to professionals. It's dangerous to fix these issues without the proper tools and information.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane is a frustrating and annoying issue. It could let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that allows dirt or moisture to enter. This can affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will need to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You may be able, depending on the weather conditions and if your windows are double-paned or single-paned, to repair the damage temporarily by using a silicone sealant. However for a permanent fix, you will require expert assistance.
A window that is cracked can be fixed with strong-duty tape. A tape strip placed over a crack can stop it from getting worse. A crack that is large enough to penetrate the glass or is too large to be covered by tape will need to be replaced completely.
Broken glass can result from numerous factors: a stray pebble from a lawnmower that hits the window; a drink set down too heavily on a table with a glass top; or a pet's excited jump when you open the front door. It can also occur naturally as the frames of your windows shift in a slight manner, breaking the special packaging material that holds the glass sheets in the right place.
If you've broken a glass pane, you should wear heavy gloves and place a cardboard box nearby to catch the shards. Then remove the sash from the frame and work on a flat surface like tables. Wear a mask to ensure not to inhale the glass shards.
After removing the old glass, clean any varnish and paint from the window frame. You can use a heatgun to soften the old glazing putty or the metal points which helped to hold the glass in place.
You can then determine the opening size for the new pane. To allow for expansion and contraction, you should always order an alternative glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. You can ask your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these dimensions.
Once you have your new glass, press it into the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. It is available in a home improvement store. Then smooth windows repair milton keynes using a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the frames and corners of the glass approximately every six inches so that the pane is held securely.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are old or new, it's fairly common for them to develop condensation. This is especially the case in winter when colder air is able to meet warmer glass. It can be a problem but it is not usually an issue. Condensation on windows is a sign your double glazing system is operating well.
It could be an indication that your seal is leaking and moisture is leaking through the gap. If you notice a milky smudge on your window or water beads appear across its surface, this needs to be addressed to stop mould, mildew, or any further damage.
Thankfully, condensation can be removed quite easily. A technician will drill a tiny number of holes in the window frame, allowing the trapped moisture to escape. This is referred to as defogging. It can also be used to eliminate staining caused by the trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the root issue of a damaged window seal. It may not even work even if the condensation has gone away, because the compromised air between the panes may still be there. This could mean that you still not get as much heat insulation from your windows as you would like to.
If you've noticed water growing in your windows, it's a good idea to speak with an expert as soon as possible to see what the next steps to take be. They may recommend an option such as putting in vents to the windows that let fresh air to circulate but not allowing warm air to escape.
The final thing you would like to happen is for your double-glazed unit to fail, particularly when this can be costly to replace. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, skills and equipment, it's possible to repair your double-glazed and keep it in top condition for many years to come. If you need a double glazing repair call us now to find out 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 can be a major problem as it means that you may have damp ingress which can lead to damage. It can be costly to repair and can be an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mould. This is why it's important to address a leak as soon as you can.
If you notice that the windows of your double-glazed windows are noisy It is likely that the seal has been damaged. It could also mean that the gas used to insulate the glass panes has been taken away. A specialist technician can reseal your window to fix this problem.
Sometimes, dirt may cause a double-glazed window to be cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that the seal is getting worn out and the glass must be cleaned. This can be accomplished by a professional using high-pressure water jets which will quickly remove any dirt or debris.
However, if condensation is forming between the two glass panes in your double glazing, it is a sign that the seal has developed an open and there is no longer any argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious problem and means that your double glazing isn't effectively insulating your home, as it should. This can be corrected by replacing the glass unit, however it should be done sooner rather than later, as the performance of your double glazed window will be affected.
If you own new double glazed windows that are under warranty, you must contact the company that installed them and inform them of any issues with the units, or the sealing of the glass as it is unlikely to be covered under the warranty. You will lose your warranty if you attempt to repair the windows yourself or alter them. We suggest that you employ a specialist in double glazing repair.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame to keep the glass panes in place and hold them in place, particularly in extreme weather areas. Ice, snow, high winds and tumultuous thunderstorms can all result in damage to your windows. If you notice cracks, holes or dents in your windows, contact a professional to repair your double glazing.
If you notice water leaking out of the bottom of your window, this could be a sign that there is a breach in the seal within the window. This lets moisture enter your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be warping or bending. To correct this, you'll need to replace the window seal, and then insert it into the frame.
Window seals ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from escaping your home, while also preventing condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically made of uPVC or aluminum and hold the glass in place. When window seals fail to fail, you could encounter issues such as energy loss, draughts and misted windows.
Misting windows are a typical issue that is the result of the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window breaking. The argon gas holds the glass in place and creates an airtight seal. However if 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 fixed by replacing the window seal and re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to avoid future condensation. The best method to do this is to contact an expert to do the task 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. Most windows can be repaired without having to replace them. It is best to have some basic tools in your arsenal. You'll need a protective glove, a tape, transparent film or nail polish, scotchtape and a sheet of plastic.
