Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing, you may be wondering if they could 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 damaged or cracked it allows air pass more easily, lowering the windows' effectiveness as an insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the time of year it can allow warm or cold air to escape or enter your home, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to apply an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is temporary fix and may just prevent the crack from getting more severe. A professional window repair company can repair any damaged glass on your double-glazed windows.
It is risky and challenging to replace a window pane on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscrossing fashion prior to trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large, you can hold it in place and use a razor to cut it away from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. After the glass has been removed and laid flat, you can place it on several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that may fall.
To install a replacement pane it is necessary to prepare the frame and purchase replacement glass. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit correctly. Get your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wood frames, buy some points for glaziers at hardware stores to put along the edges of your new pane. Place the points in a way that they allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.
Spread a thick layer with the blade of a putty maker after your new pane is installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putting such as Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the frame and pane using the compound you choose. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure it is even and level around the pane.
Water Leaks
The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common problem that occurs when window sealant has deteriorated and requires replacement. Water leaks in the window can damage the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.
A good double glazed window will have a gasket that is able to compress when the sash is closed. Any water that hits the area should be drained away through the weep holes located in the bottom of the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes become blocked by a build-up dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window may need to be replaced.
The lintel that is above the window could also be an area of leaks. The builders who built the house may not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or they could have clad it in concrete leaving a gap that rainwater could enter and get trapped, causing dampness or rot on the wood. The installers could have angled fascia boards above the windows to ensure water is directed properly. This will stop water from getting into the building.
Another leak could be the gap that exists between the glass panes of the double-glazed unit. A worn seal could have caused gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak. Although this isn't a particularly serious leaky window problem it can affect energy efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance double glazing replacement might be necessary. A professional can conduct a full evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest solutions. They will also be able to advise whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also be able to provide you a price for any work that is required.
Condensation
Condensation may be a problem with older double-glazed doors and windows. However, it's typically an easy fix. It is caused by a lack air flow around double glazing repairs the windows and occurs in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. The droplets will disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem continues it's worth investigating further.
Another indication of condensation is when you hear water drippy. This could be because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this sound. This will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could also lead to mould over time, so it is best to have the window repaired as quickly as possible.
A professional can inspect your window and suggest the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will eliminate 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 can enter double-paned windows when the seal is damaged and they begin to fog up. If this happens it is possible that simple fixes will help, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.
The majority of double-glazed windows have an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two glass panes. This spacer bar contains desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and blocks it from getting into the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can break or crack and in this instance, it is usually necessary to replace the entire window.
It is possible to carry out repairs yourself if you have the right tools, but it's normally better to hire an expert who is trained to do this for you. You'll save a lot of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired correctly. A reliable tradesman will provide you with a warranty on the work they have done that you wouldn't receive if you tried to do it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is a wonderful invention that allows homeowners to save money on heating costs, while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. However, it isn't indestructible and occasionally issues can arise. In certain instances, these faults may even be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk It is crucial to fix them in the earliest time possible. Issues like misting and water leaks can reduce the efficiency of windows and make them appear ugly.
It's usually more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than to replace them entirely. If you've noticed any signs of trouble with your double glazing, consider searching for local companies that specialize in repairs for double-glazed windows and requesting estimates. Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best choice and ensure that your chosen company has a warranty on their work.
Double-glazed windows are sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes that have an area between them, and a rubber gasket which stops water from entering the gap. Some IGUs also contain a gas, such as argon that helps to keep heat from leaving your home, therefore cutting down 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 installed on the frame. This is normally far cheaper than replacing the whole window and is much more affordable for the majority of households.
Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, it might be possible to repair the damaged window. If the glass has developed just a few tiny chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the case. If your double glazed window has completely broken and is cracked, then it's best to replace the entire glass unit and window sash.