Over time, double glazing may develop problems. For instance it might be difficult to open the windows or have doors that get stuck. These issues are easily solved.
Many homeowners will attempt to fix these issues themselves, however, this should be left to the experts. It is dangerous to attempt to fix these problems without the right tools and information.
Broken Panes
A damaged window is a nagging and uncomfortable problem. It could let cold or hot air into your home and leave a gap that allows debris or moisture to get into. It can also decrease your energy efficiency, as your AC and furnace will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You may be able depending on the weather and if your windows are single-paned or double paned to repair the damage for a short period of time by using a silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional help.
Heavy-duty tape can be used to fix a damaged or cracked window. A piece of tape positioned over a crack can stop it from getting worse. A crack that extends into the glass or is too large to cover with tape, will need to be completely replaced.
The excitement of a pet when you open the door can cause broken glass. The frames of your window could change over time and break the plastic that holds the glass sheets.
Wear gloves that are thick in the event of a broken pane of glass. Place a cardboard box near the pane to collect any fragments. Take the sash off and work on a level surface, like a table. Wear a mask to ensure not to breathe the glass fragments.
Once the old glass is removed, take off any varnish or paint from the frame of the window. You can use a heatgun to soften the old glazing putty or metal glazing points which kept the glass in place.
Then, you can take measurements of the opening to make a new pane. To allow for expansion and contracting, you should always order a replacement glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. You can ask your local hardware store or home center cut it to these measurements.
Once you have the glass, put it in the frame. If there are any gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk which is available from a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk using a putty blade. Add glaziers' points to the frames and corners of the glass every six inches, so that the pane is held securely.
Condensation
Whether your double glazing windows are old or new, it's fairly common for them to experience condensation. This is especially the case in winter when colder air collides with warm glass. This can cause problems however it's not usually a big problem. This is because condensation on windows actually means that your double glazing is working properly.
However, it can be a sign that the seal is failing and water is flowing through the gap between the window panes. You might notice a milky appearance on the window or beads appearing across its surface, and this is something that needs to be dealt with to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, or other damage.
Thankfully condensation can be gotten rid of very easily. A technician will drill a small number of holes in the window frame, allowing the moisture trapped to escape. This is referred to as defogging, and it can also be used to eliminate stains that are caused by moisture that has been trapped.
Defrogging doesn't fix the underlying issue of a damaged window seal. In fact, it might not do so even in the event that the condensation is gone, as the compromised air between the panes remains. This could mean that you are not getting as much heat insulation as you should from your windows.
It is important to speak with an expert when you notice moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They may be able to recommend a solution, like putting vents in the windows to let fresh air in, but not allowing warm air to escape.
The last thing you would like to happen is for your double glazing to fail, particularly when it's costly to replace. With the right knowledge, skills and equipment, it's possible to fix your double glazing and keep it in great condition for many years to come. Contact us today for double glazing repairs. We provide a variety of services from replacing one or several panes of tempered glass, to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a huge problem as it means that there is a possibility of damp ingress that can lead to damage. It's expensive to fix, and is often an indication that your house is suffering from other issues like mould or dry rot. It's crucial to fix any leak as fast as you can.
If you experience that you feel a draft coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely the seal inside the sealed unit has failed. This could also mean that the gas used to seal the glass panes has gone out. A specialist technician can replace your window to fix this problem.
Sometimes dirt can cause a double-glazed window to appear cloudy or hazy. This is typically a sign that the sealing is failing and the glass must be cleaned. A specialist can do this using high-pressure water jets to swiftly clean the glass.
However, if condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes of your double glazing, it is a sign that the seal has opened a leak and that there is no argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious issue and means that your double glazing is no longer insulating your home as it should do. This can be corrected by replacing the glass unit, however it should be done earlier rather than later, as the performance of your double glazed window has been affected.
If you have brand new double-glazed windows under warranty, 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. If you try to tamper with the units or try to repair them yourself then this will invalidate your guarantee, so you should always leave the repairs to experts. This is the reason we suggest hiring a professional double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
In areas with extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a strong frame that can hold the glass panes in place. Ice snow, high winds and tumultuous storms can all result in damage to your windows. If you notice cracks dents or holes in your window, contact an expert to repair your double glazing.
If you notice that water is running down the sides of the window, it could be a sign that the inner seal has been damaged and is allows water into your home. Additionally window repairs near me or aluminum window frame may be warping or bending. You'll need to replace your window seal and put it back inside the frame to fix this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight, keep heat from entering your home and prevent condensation between the glass panes. These window seals are usually made of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and keep the glass in the right place. There are issues like the loss of energy and draughts if the window seals fail.
The failure of the gaseous insulation in double-glazed windows is a common cause of misting windows. The argon gasses keep the glass in place, and create an airtight sealing, but if it is damaged or worn out, the gases could escape. The argon gas can cause condensation between glass panes when it escapes.
The issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal and re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to prevent any further condensation. The best way to accomplish this is to hire an expert to do the work for you.
While it is crucial to have double-glazed windows, they aren't immune to abrasions and will need to be repaired at times. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired without the need for replacement. It is best to have some basic tools in your arsenal. You'll need gloves to protect yourself and a tape measure, scotch tape, or a transparent film, nail polish, and a plastic sheet that can be cut to size.
