Over time, double glazing can become problematic over time. For instance it can become difficult to open the windows or have doors that get stuck. These problems can be easily resolved.
Many homeowners attempt to fix these problems themselves. However this should be left up to professionals. Trying to do this without the right tools and knowledge can result in damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged or broken window can be a stressful and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air in your home, and leave a gap that allows moisture or debris to enter. This could also affect the efficiency of your AC or furnace will need to work harder in order to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the weather conditions and whether you have single-pane or double-pane windows, you may be able to repair the damage using silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional assistance.
A window that is cracked can be repaired with heavy-duty tape. A piece of tape could be placed over the crack to stop it from getting worse. However, a crack that goes all the way through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will need to be replaced entirely.
Broken glass can result from many things: a pebble from the lawnmowers that lands on the window; drinking a drink that is set too heavily on a table with a glass top or a pet's exuberant jump when you open the front door. It could also happen naturally when 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, put on thick gloves and place a cardboard box near to collect the shards. Take the sash off and work on an even surface, such as tables. Wear a mask so as not to breathe the glass fragments.
After the old glass has been removed, clean any varnish or paint that is on the frame of the window. You can use a heat gun to soften old glazing putty or even the metal points which held the glass in position.
Then, you can take measurements of the opening to make a new glass. To allow for expansion and contracting it is recommended to purchase the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. You can have your local hardware store or your home center cut it to these dimensions.
Put the glass in the frame. If there are any gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk which is available at a home improvement store. Then, smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Add milton keynes window repair to the corners and frames of the glass every six inches to ensure that the pane is held securely.
Condensation
If your double glazing windows are old or brand new it's common for them to develop condensation. This is especially true in winter, when colder air meets warm glass. While it can cause a problem, it's not generally a problem. This is because condensation on windows means that your double glazing is working properly.
However, it could be a sign that the seal is not working and water is leaking through the gaps between the window panes. If you notice a milky appearance on your window or if water beads appear on the surface, it needs to be addressed in order to prevent mold, mildew, or further damage.
Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill tiny holes into the frame of the window to allow the trapped moisture escape. This is referred to as defogging, and it can also be used to remove stains that are caused by moisture that has been trapped.
Defogging does not fix the underlying issue of a failing window seal. It may not even work when the condensation has gone away as the air that is leaking between the panes may still be there. This could mean that you're 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 discover that your windows are damp to determine the next steps. They could suggest an option such as putting in vents to windows that let fresh air in but not allowing warm air to escape.
It is the last thing you'll need for your double-glazing to go down. This is particularly true when it will be costly to replace. With the right skills, knowledge and equipment, it is possible to fix your double glazing and keep it in top condition for many years to come. If you require repairs to your double glazing, contact us today to discuss how we can help. We offer a wide range of services ranging from replacing one or more panes of tempered glass to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak can be a major issue because it means you may have damp ingress that can cause damage. It's costly to fix, and it's usually an indication that your home has other issues such as mould or dry rot. It is crucial to fix a leak as quickly as possible.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows are draughty it's likely that the seal has failed. This may also mean that there is no longer any gas argon between the panes of glass which is used to create insulation. A specialist technician can reseal your window to fix this problem.
Sometimes, dirt can cause a double glazed window to be cloudy or misty. This is usually a sign that the seal is failing, and the glass should be cleaned. A specialist can do this using high-pressure water jets to swiftly clean the glass.
If however, condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes of your double glazing, it is a sign that the seal has opened to leak and that there is no longer any argon in the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and indicates that your double glazing isn't effectively insulating your home, as it should. This can be corrected by replacing the glass unit, but it must be done earlier rather than later, as the performance of your double-glazed window will be affected.
If you have double-glazed windows under warranty, you should call the installer and report any issues with the units or sealing of the glass. It is 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 tamper them. This is the reason we suggest using a specialist double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to keep the glass panes together and keep them in place, especially in extreme weather areas. Ice snow high winds, and tumultuous storms can all result in damage to your windows. Get a professional's help to repair double glazing if you notice cracks, dents or holes.
If you notice water flowing out from the bottom of your window, it could be a sign there is a breach in the seal within the window. This lets moisture infiltrate your home. The uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could also be warping or bending. 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, stop heat escaping from your home and prevent condensation between the glass panes. Window seals, which hold the glass in place, are made of uPVC or aluminum. When window seals fail to break down, you can encounter issues such as draughts, energy loss and windows that are misty.
Misting windows are a common issue and are the result of the insulating gas inside the double-glazed window breaking. The argon gasses keep the glass in place, and create a airtight seal, but if it is damaged or worn out, the gas can escape. The argon gas may cause condensation between glass panes when it escapes.
This problem can be fixed by replacing the window seal, then re-inserting the glass and applying an anti-fogging agent to avoid condensation in the future. The best method to do this is to contact a specialist to do the job for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows, they are not impervious to abrasions and will need to be repaired from time to time. Fortunately, most windows can be repaired without the need for replacement. It is recommended to have a few basic tools available. You'll need a protective glove, a tape transparent film, or nail polish, scotchtape and a sheet of plastic.
