Say "Yes" To These 5 Double Glazing Window Repair Tips
Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can create problems, such as being difficult to open windows or a door that gets stuck. These problems can be easily resolved.
Many homeowners will attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to professionals. Doing this without the right tools and experience could lead to damage.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane is a frustrating and annoying issue. It can let hot or cold air in your home and leave a gap which lets in debris or moisture. It can also decrease the efficiency of your energy bills, as your AC and furnace will have to perform more to keep your home warm. Depending on the weather conditions and whether you have double-pane or single-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily fix the damage using silicone sealant. However the final solution will require the assistance of a professional.
Heavy-duty tape can be used to fix a damaged or cracked window. A strip of tape placed over a crack can prevent it from getting worse. However cracks that go all through the glass or one that is too big to be covered by tape will have to be replaced completely.
The excitement of your pet when you open the door could cause broken glass. It can also happen naturally as the frames of your windows move slightly over time and break the special packaging material that keeps the glass sheets in the right place.
When you have a broken glass pane, wear heavy gloves and place a cardboard box near to catch the fragments. Then, remove the frame's sash and work on a flat surface, such as a table. Wear a mask so as not to breathe the glass shards.
Once the old glass has been removed, remove any varnish or paint that is on the frame of the window. You can also use a heating gun to soften any old glazing putty and metal glazing points that kept the glass in the first place.
Then, you can determine the opening size for a new pane. To allow for expansion and contraction, you should always order a replacement glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. You can ask your local hardware store or home center cut it according to these measurements.
Press the new glass into the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. You can purchase it in a home improvement store. Then, smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Attach glazier's tips to the corners of the glass frame every six inches, so that they hold the pane securely in the frame.
Condensation
Whether your double glazing windows are old or brand new, it's fairly common for them to experience condensation. This is particularly true in winter when colder air is able to meet warmer glass. This can cause problems but it's not typically an problem. Condensation on windows is an indication that your double glazing system is functioning correctly.
However, it can be an indication that the seal is failing and water is flowing through the gap between the window panes. If you notice a milky appearance on your window or if water beads appear on its surface, this issue needs to be addressed in order to prevent mould, mildew, or further damage.
Condensation is easily removed. A technician will drill a small number of holes in the window frame, which allow the moisture trapped to go away. This process is called defogging. It may also be used to eliminate the stains caused by the trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the root issue of a failing window seal. In fact, it may not be able to do so even if the condensation is gone, because the compromised air that was between the panes is still there. This could mean that you're not getting as much heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
If you've noticed water build-up in your windows, it's an ideal idea to consult with a professional as soon as possible to see what the next steps should be. They may recommend a solution such as adding vents in the windows that allow fresh air in but not allowing warm air to escape.
It is the last thing you need for your double-glazing to go down. This is particularly true when it will be costly to replace. With the right skills, equipment and experience, you can repair your double-glazed window to keep it in good shape for many years. If you need repairs to your double glazing contact us today to see how we can help. We provide a wide range of services that range from replacing one or more panes glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a big problem as it means that there is a possibility of damp ingress that can lead to damage. This can be expensive to repair and can be an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. This is why it's essential to address a leak as soon as you can.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows have a draught it's likely that the seal has broken. This may also mean that there is no longer any gas argon between the panes of glass which is used to create insulation. A specialist technician can replace your window to fix this problem.
Double glazed windows can become cloudy or misty due dirt. This is usually a sign that sealing is failing and the glass should be cleaned. This can be done by a professional using high-pressure water jets which will quickly clear the glass of any dirt or debris.
If however, condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes of your double glazing, this is a sign that the seal has developed to leak and that there is no argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious issue and means that your double glazing is not effectively insulating your home, as it should do. 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 impacted.
If you own new double-glazed windows under warranty, you must contact the company that installed them and inform them of any issues with the units or the sealing of the glass since it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. If you attempt to alter the seals with the units or try to repair them yourself, this could invalidate the warranty, and you should always leave these repairs to the experts. This is the reason we suggest that you use a specialist double glazing repair company.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to hold the glass panes together and hold them in place, especially in extreme weather areas. Ice snow, high winds and tumultuous storms can all result in damage to your windows. Contact a professional for repairs to double glazing if you see cracks, dents or holes.
If you see water leaking out of the bottom of your window, it could indicate that there is a leaky seal inside the window. This lets moisture enter your home. Additionally, your upvc window repair or aluminum window frame could be warping or bending. To fix this issue, you will have to replace the window seal, and then insert it into the frame.
Window seals help to ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight and keep heat from getting out of your home, while also preventing condensation between glass panes. These window seals are usually made of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and keep the glass in the right place. If the window seals fail, you could encounter issues such as the loss of energy, draughts or windows that have mist.
The failure of the gaseous insulation in double-glazed windows is the common cause of misting windows. The argon gas helps keep the glass in place and creates an airtight seal, but in the event that the seal is damaged or worn out, it could allow the gases to escape. The gases that escape can lead to condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal and then re-installing glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to stop future condensation. It is recommended to hire professionals to do the work for you.
While it is crucial to have double-glazed windows they are not impervious to damage and will need to be repaired periodically. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be restored without the need for replacement. It is best to have a few basic tools on hand. You will need gloves that are protective, tape or film that is transparent, scotchtape, nail polish, and a plastic sheet.