Over time double glazing may cause problems, like being difficult to open windows or a door that snags. Fortunately these issues can be resolved without difficulty.
Many homeowners will attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to experts. It's dangerous to fix these issues without the right tools and information.
Broken Panes
A damaged window can be a gruelling and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air in your home, and leave a gap that allows dirt or moisture to enter. This can also reduce the efficiency of your AC or furnace will have to work harder in order to keep your home warm. It is possible depending on the weather and if your windows are single-paned or double paned, to repair the damage temporarily by using silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional help.
A damaged window can be fixed with strong-duty tape. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to stop it from getting worse. A crack that extends through the glass, or is too large to cover with tape, will need to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can result from various factors: a pebble from the lawnmowers that hits the window; an unintentionally placed drink heavily on a glass-topped coffee table or a pet's exuberant leap when you open the front door. The frames of your windows can shift over time and crack the packaging material that holds the glass sheets.
If you've broken a glass pane, you should wear heavy gloves and place a cardboard box near to collect the shards. Take the sash off and work on an even surface, such as the table. Wear a mask to ensure not to breathe the glass shattering.
Once the old glass is removed, remove any paint or varnish from the frame of the window. You can also use a heating gun to soften any old glazing putty or metal glazing points that were used to hold the glass in place.
Then, you can measure the opening for a new glass. To allow for expansion and contracting it is recommended to purchase the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. Make sure that your local hardware or home center cut the glass according to these measurements.
Put the glass in the frame. If there are any gaps, fill them with silicone caulk, which you can purchase at a local home improvement store. Smooth the caulk using a putty blade. Add glazier's points to corners of the glass and frame every six inches, so that they keep the pane in the right place.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, regardless of whether they are old or new. This is particularly true in winter when colder air meets warm glass. It can be a problem but it is not usually a big problem. This is because condensation on windows indicates that your double-glazed is working correctly.
However, it can be a sign that the seal is failing and water is flowing through the crack between your window panes. If you notice a milky smudge on your window or if water beads appear on the surface, it needs to be addressed in order to stop the growth of mould, mildew, or any further damage.
Luckily, condensation can be removed very easily. A technician will drill a small number of holes into the window frame, allowing the moisture trapped to be released. This process is known as defogging, and it can also be used to remove stains that are caused by moisture that has been trapped.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that defogging doesn't fix the root issue of a leaking seal. In fact, it may not be able to do so even when the condensation has gone, since the damaged air between the panes is still there. This could mean that you will still not receive as much insulation from your windows as you would like to.
It is important to speak with an expert as soon as you notice moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents in the windows that let fresh air in but not allowing warm air to escape.
It is the last thing you want for your double-glazing system to break down. This is especially true when it could be expensive to replace. Fortunately, with the right skills, knowledge and equipment, it is possible to repair your double glazing and keep it in top condition for the long term. If you require repairs to your double glazing, contact us today to discuss how we can help. We provide a range of services including replacing one or more panes of glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are costly to fix. It's expensive to repair and is often a sign of further problems within your property, like dry rot or mould. This is why it's crucial to fix a leak as soon as you can.
If you experience an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that the seal inside the sealed unit has failed. It could also mean that the argon gas used to seal the glass panes has been taken away. A specialist technician can reseal your window to resolve this issue.
Sometimes dirt can cause a double glazed window to appear cloudy or misty. This usually means that the seal is degrading, and the glass should be cleaned. A professional can do this using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.
If condensation forms between the two panes in your double glazing, it's an indication that the seal is not sealing properly and there isn't any argon between the glass. This is a serious issue and could indicate that your double glazed window does not insulate your home as effectively as it ought to. The glass can be replaced, but you'll need to do it sooner rather than later due to the performance of your double-glazed window has been affected.
If you have double-glazed windows under warranty, you must contact their installer and report any issues with the units or seal of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will cover these issues. If you attempt to play with the units or try to repair them yourself, this could invalidate your guarantee, so you should always leave the repairs to professionals. We suggest that you employ a double glazing repair specialist.
Weather Damage
In areas that experience extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a strong frame which can hold the glass panes in place. Ice, snow, high wind and violent storms can cause damage to your windows. Get a professional's help to repair double glazing if you notice cracks, dents or holes.
If you see water leaking from the bottom of the window, it could be a sign that the seal on the inside has been damaged and is allowing moisture into your home. In addition the uPVC or aluminum window frame may be bending or warping. To fix this, you will have to replace the window seal, and then insert it into the frame.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight and keep heat from leaving your home, while also preventing condensation between glass panes. Window seals are typically comprised of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and hold the glass in place. When the window seals fail, you could encounter issues such as draughts, energy loss and windows that have mist.
Misting windows are a frequent problem and is caused by the gas that insulates the double-glazed window failing. The argon gases hold the glass in place, and create a airtight seal however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gas can escape. The gases that escape could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be solved by replacing the window seal, then re-inserting the glass, and then applying an anti-fogging agent to prevent condensation in the future. window repairs near me is recommended to employ an expert to complete the job for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows they aren't immune to damage and will need to be repaired periodically. Most windows can be repaired without the need to replace them. To accomplish this, it is an ideal idea to have some basic tools on hand. You'll need gloves to protect yourself, a tape measure, scotch tape, or a transparent film and nail polish and a sheet of plastic that can be cut to size.
