15 Undeniable Reasons To Love Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing you might be wondering if they are able to be fixed.
Depending on what the issue is and when you purchased them You may be in a position to get your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is broken or cracked air can enter more easily. This reduces the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and against the elements. This can allow hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will increase.
If the crack is not too deep, you might be able to use a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is a temporary fix however, and it could only stop the crack from becoming worse. A professional window repair company can fix any damaged glass on double-glazed windows.
It is risky and difficult to repair windows on your own. If the crack is too big to grasp then try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large that you can hold it in place and use a razor to remove it from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. Once the pane is free you must lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.
In order to install a replacement pane, you'll need to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. To ensure that the new glass is a good fit, measure the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Then have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, you can purchase points for glaziers at hardware stores to put along the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way that they allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty flush against the glass.
Spread a thick layer with a putty knife after your new pane is installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putty such as Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Smooth the compound over the new pane to ensure it is even and level.
Water Leaks
The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical issue that can occur when the window sealant has degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks around the window can cause damage to the plaster or drywall and can cause damp walls.
A good quality double glazed window will come with a gasket which will firmly compress when the sash is shut. Any water that hits the area should be drained away through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes are blocked by a build-up dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window might require replacement.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel that supports the brick above the window. The builders who constructed the house might not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or have clad it in concrete leaving a gap that rainwater could get in and then get trapped, causing dampness or rot on the wood. The installers should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the upvc window repair to ensure that water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.
Another source of leaks is the gap between the glass panes in double-glazed units. It's possible that the argon or krypton gas that should be positioned between the glass panes to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows due to an old seal. While this isn't the most severe leaky upvc window repair issue, it will impact on energy efficiency and should be addressed as soon as possible. In this situation, double glazing replacement may be necessary. A professional can conduct an exhaustive assessment and let you know the cause of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They will be able to tell you whether it is appropriate to repair the window or replace it completely. They will be able to also give you a quote for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, this is typically an easy fix. It is caused by an absence of air circulation around windows and is common in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident indication of condensation is droplets of water forming on the glass's surface. The droplets will disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. However, if the issue persists it is worth investigating further.
There is also the sound of water drip. This could be due to a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue can also lead to mould in the long term, so it is best to have the window repaired as soon as you can.
A professional can examine your window and recommend the best option. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the space between the two. This will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a quality seal is put back on.
Double condensation on glazing is caused by defective windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them fog. If this occurs, it is possible that simple fixes will help, but in many instances, the best option 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 stuffed with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that might be present, thereby stopping it from getting to the glass panes, causing condensation. Unfortunately, this bar can sometimes break or crack and in this situation, it is usually necessary to replace the entire window.
You can make some repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it's usually better to hire someone who is skilled in doing this. You'll save lots of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired properly. Using a trusted tradesman can be a good idea as it will give you some form of guarantee for the work done that you would not get from a DIY job.
Shattering
Double glazing is a revolutionary product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. It isn't impervious to damage, and issues can occur occasionally. These issues can be dangerous in some instances if they are not corrected quickly.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family members in danger, then it's important to fix them as soon as possible. Issues such as misting or water leaks can damage the performance of windows and also make them look unattractive.
It's often cheaper to fix your double-glazed windows than it would be to replace them completely. So, if you've noticed any indications of problems with your double glazing, consider looking for local companies that specialize in the repairs of double-glazed windows and requesting quotes. The lowest price may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose offers the guarantee of their work.
When a double-glazed upvc window repairs is sold, it will be contained inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). This is what consists of two glass panes, the space between them and the rubber seal that stops water from seeping into the gap that acts as an insulation. Some IGUs contain the gas argon. It prevents heat from escaping the home and saves money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then it is possible to purchase a replacement from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for a lot of households.
It may be possible to repair the damaged window dependent on the type of frame and the condition of your window. If the glass has developed only a few small chips, but has not shattered, this is usually the case. If the double-glazed windows are completely shattered then it is recommended to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.