Over time, double glazing can become problematic over time. For example, it may become difficult to open the windows or have doors that get stuck. Fortunately the problems can be fixed with ease.
Many homeowners attempt to fix these problems themselves. However this should be left to the experts. Doing this without the proper tools and expertise could result in damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged window is an annoying and inconvenient issue. It could let hot or cold air into your home and create a gap that allows in moisture or debris. This could also affect the efficiency of your AC or furnace will need to work harder in order to keep your home cool. You might be able, dependent 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 professional help.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to fix a damaged or cracked window. A piece of tape could be placed over the crack to prevent it from getting worse. However cracks that go all through the glass or that is too large to be covered by tape will have to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from a lawnmower that strikes the window drinking a drink that is set too heavily on a table with a glass top or a pet's exuberant leap when you open the front door. It can also happen naturally as the frames of your windows move in a slight manner and break the special packaging material that keeps the glass sheets in place.
Wear a pair of thick gloves when you have a broken pane of glass. Place a cardboard box near the pane to collect any shards. Remove the sash and work on a level surface, like a table. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling the glass shattering.
Once the old glass is removed, remove any paint or varnish from the frame of the window. You could also use a heat gun to soften any old glazing putty as well as metal glazing points that held the glass in place.
You can then take measurements of the opening to make the new pane. It is recommended to get your replacement glass slightly smaller than the original opening to allow for expansion and contraction. You can have your local hardware store or your home center cut it to these measurements.
Put the glass in the frame. If there are any gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk that you can buy at a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk by using a putty blade. Add glazier's points to the edges of the glass frame around every six inches, so that they hold the pane securely in the right place.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, whether they are old or new. This is particularly true in winter when colder air is able to meet warmer glass. It can be a problem but it is not usually an problem. This is because condensation on windows actually means that your double glazing is working correctly.
It can be an indication that your seal is failing and moisture is entering the gap. You may notice a milky look on the window, or water beads appearing across its surface. This is something that needs to be addressed to prevent mould, mildew or further damage.
Thankfully, condensation can be removed very 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.
Defogging does not fix the root cause of a failing window seal. In fact, it might not do so even when the condensation has gone, because the compromised air that was between the panes remains. This could mean that you will still not receive the same amount of heat insulation from your windows as you should.
If you have noticed moisture building up in your windows, it's an ideal idea to consult with a professional as soon as possible to see what the next steps to take be. They may be able to suggest a solution, like putting vents in the windows to allow fresh air to enter but without allowing warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't want is for your double glazing to fail, particularly when it's expensive to replace. With the right equipment, skills and knowledge, you can repair your double glazing to keep it in good working order for a long time. If you require a double glazing repair contact us today to discuss how we can assist. We offer a wide range of services from replacing one or more panes of glass that has been tempered to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are expensive to repair. It can be costly to repair and can be an indication of other issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. It's crucial to fix a leak as quickly as you can.
If you feel an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that the seal within the sealed unit has failed. This may also mean that there is no longer any gas argon between the glass panes that is used to create insulation. A specialist technician can replace your window to solve this problem.
Double-glazed windows may become cloudy or misty due to dirt. This is usually a sign that the sealing is deteriorating and the glass must be cleaned. This can be done by a specialist using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass of any dirt or other debris.
If condensation develops between the two panes in your double glazing, it's an indication that the seal is leaking and that there is not any argon between the glass. This is a serious problem and suggests that your double glazing is not insulate your home as well as it should. This can be corrected by replacing the glass, but it must 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 guarantee, you should 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 under the warranty. You'll lose your warranty when you attempt to repair the windows yourself or alter them. We recommend hiring a double glazing repair specialist.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to hold the glass panes together and keep them in place, particularly in areas of extreme weather. window repair near me , high winds and storms that are violent can harm your windows. Call a professional to repair double glazing if you spot cracks, dents, or holes.
If you see water running down the sides of the window, it may be an indication that the seal on the inside has been damaged and is let in water into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could also be bent or warped. It is necessary to replace the window seal and reinstall it into the frame in order to repair this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. They stop heat escaping from your home and prevent condensation between the glass panes. The window seals, which keep the glass in place are made of uPVC or aluminum. When window seals fail to fail, you could encounter issues such as draughts, energy loss and misted windows.
The failure of the insulating gases inside double-glazed windows is a common cause of misting windows. The argon gas holds the glass in place and forms an airtight seal. However, in the event that the seal is damaged or worn out, it may allow gases to escape. The gases that escape could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal and then re-installing glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to avoid any further condensation. The best way to accomplish this is to call in an expert to do the task for you.
While it is crucial to have double-glazed windows, they are not impervious to abrasions and will need to be repaired periodically. The majority of windows can be repaired without having to replace them. To accomplish this, it is recommended to have a few basic tools at hand. You'll need a protective glove, a tape, transparent film or scotchtape, nail polish and a plastic sheet.
