Over time, double glazing can create problems, such as being difficult to open windows or a door that gets stuck. These problems can be easily fixed.
Many homeowners will try to fix these problems themselves. However this should be left up to experts. If you attempt to fix this without the right tools and knowledge can cause damage.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane is an annoying and inconvenient problem. It can let cold or hot air into your home, and leave a gap that allows dirt or moisture to get into. This could also affect the efficiency of your AC or furnace will have to work harder in order to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the weather and whether you have double-pane or single-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily fix the damage using silicone sealant. However, a permanent fix will require the assistance of a professional.
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 escalating. A crack that is large enough to penetrate the glass, or is too large to be covered with tape will need to be replaced completely.
Broken glass can be caused by many things: a pebble from the lawnmower that lands on the window; drinking a drink that is set too heavily on a table with a glass top; or a pet's excited leap when you open the front door. The frames of your window can change over time and crack the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in position.
Wear gloves that are thick when you've broken a pane of glass. Put a cardboard container close to the pane in order to catch any fragments. Take the sash off and work on a level surface, like a table. Wear a mask so as not to breathe in the glass shards.
Once the old glass has been removed, remove any varnish or paint that is on the frame of the window. You can use a heating gun to soften the old glazing putty or metal glazing points which kept the glass in place.
Then you can determine the opening of a new glass. It is best to purchase replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening of the original to allow for expansion and contraction. You can have your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these measurements.
Press the new glass into the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. You can buy it at a home improvement shop. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Attach glazier's tips to the edges of the glass frame around every six inches, so that they keep the pane in the frame.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are new or old it's common for them to form condensation. This is especially true in winter, when colder air meets warm glass. This can cause problems but it is not usually an problem. This is because condensation on windows actually indicates that your double-glazed is working properly.
It can be an indication that your seal is leaking and moisture is leaking through the gap. You may notice a milky look on the window or beads appearing on the surface. This will need to be addressed to prevent mould, mildew or further damage.
Fortunately condensation can be eliminated very easily. A technician will drill small holes into the frame of the window to let the moisture trapped to escape. This process is called defogging, and it can also be used to eliminate staining caused by the trapped moisture.
The defrogging process does not solve 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 could remain. This could mean you are not getting the heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
If you've noticed water building up in your windows it's a good idea to speak with a professional as soon as you can to determine what the next steps to take be. window repairs may be able to suggest a solution, like putting vents in the windows to allow fresh air to enter but without permitting warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't want is for your double glazing to break down, especially when it's expensive to replace. With the right knowledge, skills and tools, it's possible to repair your double glazing and keep it in good condition for years to come. If you need repairs to your double glazing contact us today to discuss how we can assist. We provide a variety of services from replacing one or several panes of tempered glass, to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak can be a major problem as it means that you could have damp ingress, which could cause damage. It's expensive to fix, and it's often an indication that your house has other problems such as dry rot or mould. It's crucial to fix the leak as soon as you can.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows have a draught, it is likely that the seal has broken. It could also mean there is no longer any argon gas between the glass panes that is used for insulation purposes. A professional technician can reseal your window to fix this problem.
Double-glazed windows can turn cloudy or misty due to dirt. This is usually a sign that the sealing is deteriorating and the glass should be cleaned. A specialist can accomplish this using high-pressure water jets to quickly clean the glass.
However, if condensation is forming between the two glass panes in 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 means that your double glazing is no longer insulates your home in the way it should. It can be fixed by replacing the glass unit, but it will need to 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 problems with the units or the sealing of the glass since it is not likely to be covered under the warranty. If you attempt to play with the units or attempt to fix them yourself, this could invalidate your guarantee, so you should leave the repairs to experts. This is why we recommend hiring a professional double glazing repair company.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to keep the glass panes together and ensure they stay in place, especially in areas of extreme weather. Ice snow, high winds and storms that are violent can harm your windows. Call a professional to repair double glazing if you notice cracks, dents or holes.
If you notice water flowing out from the bottom of your window, this could indicate that there is a broken seal within the window. This allows moisture to enter your home. The uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be warping or bending. To fix this issue, you'll need to replace the window seal and then re-insert it into the frame.
Window seals are used to ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight and stop heat from escaping your home, and also preventing condensation between the glass panes. The window seals, which hold the glass in place are made from uPVC or aluminum. There can be issues such as draughts and energy loss when the window seals fail.
Misting windows are a typical issue that is due to the insulating gas inside the double-glazed window deteriorating. The argon gases hold the glass in place and form an airtight seal however, if it gets damaged or worn out, the gases could escape. The argon gas can cause condensation between glass panes in the event that it escapes.
The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal and re-inserting glass. You can apply an anti-fogging treatment to stop any further condensation. The best way to do this is to contact an expert to complete the job for you.
While it is crucial to have double-glazed windows, they aren't immune to abrasions and will need to be repaired periodically. 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 will need protective gloves as well as a tape measure scotch tape, or a transparent film and nail polish and a sheet of plastic which can be cut to size.
