10 Unexpected Double Glazing Window Repair Tips
Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can cause problems, like being difficult to open windows or a door that snags. These problems can be easily fixed.
Many homeowners attempt to fix these problems themselves. However, this should be left to professionals. Doing this without the right tools and knowledge can lead to damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged or broken window can be a stressful and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air into your home and leave a gap which lets in moisture or debris. This can affect the efficiency of your AC or furnace will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the weather conditions and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you might be able to temporarily fix the damage with silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional assistance.
The tape is strong enough to fix a damaged or cracked window. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to stop it from getting any worse. However cracks that extend all through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will require to be completely replaced.
The excitement of a pet when you open the door can cause broken glass. It can also happen naturally when the frames of your windows move in a slight manner and break the special packaging material that holds the glass sheets in the right place.
When you have a broken glass pane, you should wear heavy gloves and place a cardboard box near to collect the fragments. Remove the sash and work on an even surface, such as tables. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling the glass shards.
After you have removed the old glass, take off any varnish or paint from the window frame. You can use a heat gun to soften old glazing putty or metal glazing points that kept the glass in place.
Then, you can measure the opening of the new glass. To allow for expansion and contraction, you should always order the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. You can have your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these dimensions.
Once you have the glass, press it into the frame. If there are gaps, fill them with silicone caulk, which you can purchase at a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the corners and frames of the glass about every six inches so that the pane is held securely.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are old or brand new, it's fairly common for them to form condensation. This is particularly true in winter when colder air meets warm glass. This can cause problems but it is not usually an issue. This is because condensation on windows actually means that your double glazing is working correctly.
However, it could be an indication that the seal is failing, and moisture is seeping through the crack between your window panes. There may be a milky look on the window, or water beads appearing on the surface. This will need to be dealt with to prevent the growth of mould, mildew or further damage.
Luckily, condensation can be removed quite easily. A technician will drill small holes in the frame of the window to allow the moisture that has been trapped to escape. The process is known as defogging. It also can aid in removing any stains caused by the trapped moisture.
The defrogging process does not solve the root cause of a failing window seal. In fact, it might not do so even in the event that the condensation is gone, as the compromised air that was between the panes is still there. This could mean that you are not getting as much insulation as you could from your windows.
If you've noticed that moisture is build-up in your windows It's recommended to speak with an expert as soon as possible to see what the next steps should be. They might suggest solutions such as adding vents to the windows that let fresh air in but don't allow warm air to escape.
The most important thing you don't would like to happen is for your double glazing to break down, especially when it's expensive to replace. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, skills and tools, it's possible to repair your double-glazed and keep it in top condition for years to come. Contact us today if you need double repair work for your double glazing. We offer a wide range of services ranging from replacing one or more panes of glass that has been tempered to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a huge problem as it means that there is a possibility of damp ingress that can lead to damage. It's costly to repair, and it's often a sign that your property has other issues such as dry rot or mould. This is why it's crucial to address a leak promptly.
If you feel an air draught emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that the seal within the sealed unit has been damaged. It could also mean there is no gas called argon in the panes of glass which is used to create insulation. This can be fixed by a specialist technician who will repair the window.
Sometimes, dirt may cause a double glazed window to be cloudy or misty. This is usually an indication that the seal is deteriorating and the glass must be cleaned. This can be accomplished by a professional using high-pressure water jets which will quickly clear the glass of any dirt or debris.
However, if condensation is developing between the two glass panes of your double glazing, it is an indication that the seal has developed a leak and that there is no longer any argon between the two panes of glass. This is a serious problem and could indicate that your double glazed window does not insulate your home as well as it should. This can be repaired by replacing the glass unit, however it will need to be done sooner rather than later as the performance of your double glazed window has been affected.
If you own new double-glazed windows under guarantee, you should contact the company that installed them and inform them of any problems with the units or the sealing of the glass, as it is not likely to be covered by the warranty. You will lose your warranty if you attempt to repair the windows yourself or alter them. This is the reason we suggest using a specialist double glazing repair business.
Weather Damage
In areas with extreme weather, double-glazed windows require a strong frame that can hold the glass panes. Ice snow, high winds and violent storms can cause damage to your windows. If you notice cracks holes or dents in your window, call a professional to repair your double glazing.
If you notice water running out of the bottom of your window, it could be a sign that there is a breach in the seal inside the window. This lets moisture enter your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be bent or warped. You'll need to replace the window seal and then reinstall it into the frame in order to fix this.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. They stop heat escaping from your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically made of uPVC, aluminum or timber and keep the glass in place. When the window repair near me seals break down, you can be faced with issues like energy loss, draughts and misted windows.
Misting windows are a common issue and are caused by the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window deteriorating. The argon gases hold the glass in place and create an airtight sealing however, if it gets damaged or worn out, the gases can escape. The argon gas could cause condensation between glass panes if it escapes.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the window seal, inserting the glass and applying an anti-fogging agent to prevent condensation from occurring in the future. It is recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows, they aren't immune to damage and will require to be repaired periodically. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired without the need for replacement. To do this, it's recommended to have some basic tools in your arsenal. You'll need protective gloves as well as a tape measure scotch tape, or a transparent film and nail polish and a sheet of plastic which can be cut to size.