If you've recently installed double glazing in your home and it is beginning to show signs that they are in danger, you might wonder if they can still be fixed.
You might be able to get your double glazing under warranty depending on the problem and the date you purchased it.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is damaged or cracked it allows air to pass more easily, lowering the effectiveness of windows as insulation and a barrier against the elements. This could cause cold or hot air to enter your home, based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will increase.
If the crack in your double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is only a temporary solution, though, and it will only stop the crack from growing. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass on your double-glazed windows.
It can be dangerous and difficult to replace a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large to be able to hold it steady and use a razor to cut it off from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. Once the glass is removed and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspaper to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a new pane you will need to purchase replacement glass and set up the frame. To ensure that the new glass is a good fit, measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wood frames, buy some glaziers' points at hardware stores to put along the edges of your new pane. Make sure to place the points in a way that allows for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.
After your new pane has been placed and you are happy with it, apply an even layer of your chosen glazing compound with the help of a putty knife. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue like Sarco, or a cheaper product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Be sure to smooth the compound so that it is even and level around the pane.
Water Leaks
The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a frequent issue that can occur when the window sealant has degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can lead to damp or moldy walls that require to be restored as quickly as is possible.
A good quality double glazed window will come with a gasket which will firmly compress when the sash is closed. The water that is absorbed by this area must be drained through the weepholes of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes are blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window may require replacement.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel, which supports the brick over the window. The builders who constructed the house may not have realized that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly, or they could have just put it in concrete and left a gap where rainwater can get in and build up around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure that water is directed correctly. This will stop water from entering the building.
Another leak could be the gap that exists between the glass panes of double-glazed units. It's possible that the gas argon or krypton that should be between the glass to create insulation has escaped of the windows because of an old seal. Although this is not the most serious issue with leaky windows, it will affect energy efficiency. It should be addressed as soon as is possible. In this situation double glazing replacement might be required. A professional will conduct a full evaluation, let you know the source of the leak from and suggest a solution. They'll be able to tell you whether it is appropriate to fix the window or replace it completely. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double-glazed doors and windows, but this can usually be easily corrected. It is caused by a lack air flow around windows and is common in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the surface of the glass are a clear sign of condensation. These droplets will quickly disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it's worth looking further.
There is also the sound of the sound of water drip. This is usually because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended as it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could cause mould in the long term It is therefore recommended to fix the window as soon as possible.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most efficient way of dealing with this issue, since they will be able to recommend the correct course of action. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the space between them, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is applied.
Windowpane seals that fail are the primary cause of condensation issues in double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the window seal fails and causes them to fog up. If this happens it is possible that simple fixes could assist, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.
A spacer bar can be located between the two glass panes in most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and blocks it from reaching the glass. This bar is susceptible to breaking or cracking, and in most cases, you'll need to replace your entire window.
It is possible to carry out some repairs yourself if have the right tools, however it is generally better to employ an experienced professional to carry out this for you. This will not only save you a huge deal of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest quality. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some form of guarantee for the work done which you wouldn't get with a DIY job.
Shattering
Double glazing is an innovative product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It's not impervious to damage and problems can arise from time to time. These flaws could be dangerous in some cases if they're not addressed promptly.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could be putting your family members in danger It is crucial to have them fixed in the earliest time possible. Issues like misting and water leaks can compromise the performance of windows and make them look unsightly.
It is often far cheaper to fix your double-glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you've noticed any indications of issues with your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies that specialise in the repairs of double-glazed windows and requesting quotes. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the best option and ensure that the company offers a warranty with their work.
Double-glazed windows are sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). It is comprised of the two glass panes, a gap between them, and the rubber seal that stops water from seeping into the insulating gap. Some IGUs contain the gas argon. It prevents heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then you can purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer and then put on the frame. This is normally far cheaper than replacing the whole window and is far cheaper for most households.
It may be possible to repair the damaged window depending on the kind of frame and condition of the window. This is typically the case if it's only developed a few small cracks, but is not shattered. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.
