Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing consists of two panes inside the frame or openings in the wall. Sometimes, the window glass gets damaged and may require repairs.
Whether you've noticed condensation between the windows or noticed a distinct draught or hinges or handles are becoming difficult to open, these are all signs that your double glazing requires to be fixed. This repair usually involves an entire reseal of the unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air space between them, which is filled with inert gasses such as argon and krypton. This helps keep heat in your home and blocks cold drafts from getting in. Sometimes, windows may become damaged and when this happens, the entire window could require replacement. If you spot cracks or chips in the window, it is crucial to contact the company who sold you the double glazing as soon as you can report the problem and ask for repairs.
A few steps can be used to fix a broken window, however it is not recommended you attempt repairs on your own unless you're an experienced DIYer. First of all, you will have to put on gloves and remove the broken pane. If it's cracked press strips of masking tape across the cracked areas in a crisscrossing pattern. This will stop the cracks from getting worse over time, particularly during the winter. It is also recommended to cover your work surface in newspapers to stop any broken pieces from falling. After the broken pane has been removed using a putty knife, you can use it to scrape off any glazing putty and glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points using pliers. Then, apply primer that is quick drying to coat the bare wooden surface.
If you are able to buy a new replacement pane you can measure the length and width of the grooved channel using a tape measure. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to take into account the slight movement of the replacement pane. Then, slide the new pane in place and then roll a thin rope of glazing compound inside the grooved channels. Tap gently with an hammer at 6 intervals of 8 inches to aid in setting the glass in its place but be careful not to break the glass.
If you have a double glazing warranty it is often worthwhile to try using this in order to avoid the expense of a full replacement window. The warranty generally covers the cost of any component that you may need to replace and also labour. It is crucial to review the details of your guarantee as it will vary from one company to the next and you must understand what is covered and when.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually the result of condensation in between the panes your double glazing. This could be caused by a variety factors, including variations in temperature, especially if the frames aren't installed correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves.
However, the good news is that in most cases it can be fixed easily by an experienced double glazing installer. Contact the company that installed your windows immediately if you notice any problems. Then follow up with a written response. This will make it easier in the event that you need to contact them again in the future. It can also prove very helpful when the issue is covered by your warranty or guarantee.
The best way to fix the fogging is to replace gasket seals. This is done without having to replace the entire window unit and it will also aid in keeping your home energy efficient. To accomplish this the window glazier needs to remove any retaining clips or strips that are holding the IGU in place and cut through the sealant using a saw.
They'll then construct or purchase a new IGU that will fit inside the frame, and then they'll apply special sealants to ensure that it's air - and watertight. After they're done with the installation, they'll put in retaining clips or strip and apply additional sealant.
If you're lucky, the misting will stop. It's important that your frames are ventilated properly to stop moisture from building up within your ceilings or walls.
Double glazing owners also report that their windows and doors are difficult to open and close. This may be due to extreme weather conditions, or because the frame has become sagging over time and isn't in line with the rest of your home. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames with cold water to bring the frames a bit, but it's unlikely that this will solve the issue completely. If you aren't able to resolve the issue completely, you may need to have them replaced by a professional.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when the insulating gasses in double glazing windows fail to hold their position leaving air and moisture between the panes. This is more common in winter as humidity levels tend to be higher. However, it can also happen at other times. The accumulation of moisture can cause mildew and mould around sills, sealants and window frames that are not only unattractive but also dangerous to your health. A window expert can usually reseal condensation to reduce the amount of moisture and stop moisture from building up within your home.
Window sealing, also known as window gaskets are a crucial element of any double glazing door or window. These gaskets help to seal in the insulated air between your window glass and prevent drafts, heat and moisture from escaping or entering your home. These gaskets can perish or shrink over time due to temperature fluctuations, weather conditions, and aging, which means that condensation could be developing on double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to repair this, but it will likely require replacing the sandwich (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazing window with an exact replacement. Unless you have the right tools to do the job, it is recommended that you hire a professional to re-seal your double-glazed windows.
Another issue that is common is the mist that forms between double-glazed windows. This is an issue that is difficult to fix. This indicates that the seal on the vacuum at the factory has failed and that there is no way to get dry air inside or out of the window sandwich.
A professional will reseal your window using the same process as they would with a condensation or fog problem. This usually involves removing the sandwich and spraying the cleaning agent on it, followed by sucking the old sealing agent. It is important that you accurately measure the'sandwich' in length as well as width and thickness to ensure that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new vacuum seal can be drawn between the glass.
This is a difficult job that requires tools not often found in DIY stores. It's normally best left to professionals because faulty seals can result in damp and mold in your home that could be expensive and harmful to your health.
Water Leaks
If you notice that water is getting into your double glazing windows, it is important to act fast. If you don't act swiftly even the tiniest leak could be a huge problem.
The window frame can be the culprit. Make sure that the sill pan (the flat bottom of the window frame) is pitched to allow water to drain away from your home and not into the frame itself. If you find that the sill pan is not properly pitched or you see water in the wood you should consult a double-glazing repair company.
A damaged window seal is a common cause of leaks. This can be due to the age of the seal, damage, or weather. It's not as simple to fix and is typically best left to the professionals.
This can result in an increase in efficiency of energy. This allows cold air into your home during winter, and hot gas to escape in the summer. This could result in expensive heating and cooling costs.
It is simple to fix it by applying a new layer of caulking. While it is possible for those with some DIY abilities to do this on their own, it is normally much easier to let a double glazing expert handle it for you. You will be able to rest assured and glazing repairs have a guarantee that the job was done properly.
Certain double-glazed windows come with warranties of up to 20 years. It is recommended to check with the company who sold you your windows to find out what warranty they offer and for how long. This will save you the expense of having replace your double-glazed windows at a later time. If your double glazed windows are covered by a warranty, it is crucial to report the problem when you discover any problems. This can be done via the internet or by contacting the company directly. This information will be useful in the event that you have to utilize the warranty.