Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing refers to panes of glass that are placed inside the frame of a window or wall opening. Sometimes, this window glass is damaged and requires repairs.
Whether you've noticed condensation between the windows or noticed a distinct draught or hinges and handles are becoming difficult to open These are all indications that your double glazing needs to be fixed. The repair typically involves a resealing of the entire unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes with an air gap that is filled with inert gases, such as argon or krypton. This keeps the heat inside your home and prevent cold drafts and moisture from getting in. Sometimes, windows can be damaged and the entire window will require replacement. If you notice cracks or chips in the window it is important to contact the company who supplied you with the double glazing immediately to inform them of the issue and inquire for repairs.
A few simple steps can be followed to fix a broken window pane, but it is not recommended you attempt to repair the damage yourself unless you are an experienced DIYer. Wear gloves and then carefully remove the damaged window pane. If it is cracked, apply strips of masking tape over the areas that are cracked in a crisscrossing pattern. This will prevent the cracks from becoming worse as time passes, especially in the winter. It is also advisable to cover your work surface in newspapers to prevent any broken pieces from falling. After the broken pane has been removed using a putty knife, you can use it to scrape away any glazing putty and the glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points by using pliers. Then, you can coat the unfinished wood with an easy-drying primer.
Find the length and width of the grooved channels with an instrument. 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 thin pieces of glazing compound inside the grooved channels. Tap the glass gently using the hammer every 6" or 8" to help it set in its place. Be careful not to break it.
If you have a double glazing warranty, it's often worth trying to use this in order to avoid the expense of a full replacement window. In general the warranty will cover both the cost of the components and labour. You should check the details as they can differ from company to company.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually caused by condensation that occurs between the panes of your double glazing. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as temperature fluctuations, in the event that the frames aren't fitted correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves.
The good news is that, in the majority of cases this issue can be resolved easily by a professional double glazing installer. It is recommended to contact the company that installed your windows right away if you find any issues. Follow up with a written response. window repair will be much easier to reach out to the company if you have to do so later. This is also helpful when your warranty or guarantee covers the issue.
It is possible to fix the issue by replacing seals on the gaskets. This will not need replacing your entire window unit and will make your home more efficient in terms of energy use. The window glazier will take off any retaining strips or clips that are holding the IGU and then use a saw to cut through the sealant that was previously used.
They'll then build or order an IGU that is designed to fit the frame, and then they'll apply special sealants to make sure it's air - and watertight. When they're done, they'll reinstall the retaining clips or strips and apply more sealant to ensure that it's secure.
If you're lucky, the misting will stop after this. However, it's important to ensure that your frames are properly ventilated so that water doesn't get trapped within your ceilings and walls.
Another frequent issue reported by double glazing owners is that their windows or doors become difficult to open and close This could be the result of extreme weather conditions, or it could be because the frame has dropped or sagged slightly over time, and isn't sitting at a level with the rest of your house. 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 problem completely. If you're unable to resolve the problem, you may require an expert to replace the frames.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when the insulating gasses in double glazing windows fail to hold their place, leaving moisture and air between the panes. It is more common during winter when humidity levels are higher. However, it can also happen at other times. Moisture can cause mildew and mould to develop around window frames, sealants and sills. It's not just unattractive, but it's also harmful to your health. A window professional can often reseal condensation to reduce humidity and prevent the build-up of moisture in your home.
Window sealing, or window gaskets are a crucial element of any double glazing door or window. Gaskets are used to seal the air-tight space between the window glass to prevent drafts as well as heat, moisture, and drafts from entering or leaving your home. The gaskets may perish or shrink over time due to temperature fluctuations, weather conditions and aging, meaning that you may notice condensation developing on double-glazed windows or doors.
This can be fixed however, it will require replacing the "sandwich" (thermo-pane & glass) in your double-glazing window. If you don't have the proper tools for the job it is recommended you have a professional re-seal your double-glazed windows.
Mist in your double-glazed windows is another common problem that can be difficult to repair. This indicates that the vacuum seal in the factory has failed, and there is no way to get air in or out of the sandwich.
Professionals will reseal the window by using the same method they use to resolve a condensation problem or fog. This usually involves removing the sandwich and spraying the cleaning agent on it, and then sucking out the sealing agent. It is vital to take measurements of the sandwich in terms of width, length and thickening. This will ensure that the new seal fits perfectly and that a new seal can be drawn.
This is a difficult job that requires special tools that aren't typically available in DIY stores. It is best to leave this job to professionals because faulty seals could cause mold and damp in your home. This could be costly and hazardous to your health.
Water Leaks
It's important to take action when you begin to notice water leaks from your double-glazed windows. If you don't act swiftly, even the smallest leak could turn into a major problem.
Sometimes, the window frame itself can be to blame. Verify that the sill, the flat bottom of the window frame, is pitched in a way that water is able to drain away from your home and not into the frame. If the sill isn't properly pitched or if you can see moisture in the wood you must contact a double glazing repair business for professional help.
Another reason for water leaks is the window seal being damaged. This could be caused by the aging process, damage, or weather. This is not an easy fix and should be left to the experts.
A damaged window seal could let air through the windows, making it less energy efficient. This can also allow cold air to enter your home in the winter and hot air to escape during summer. This could result in higher costs for cooling and heating.
The simplest method to fix this is to apply a fresh layer of caulking. While it is possible for those with a few DIY skills to do this on their own it is generally much more efficient to let a double-glazing specialist take care of it for you. This way you will get the assurance and peace of mind knowing that the job is done properly.
Double-glazing windows are available with warranties that last up to 20 years. It is a good idea to check with the manufacturer you bought your windows from and determine what they offer and how long. This will help you avoid the expense of having replace your double-glazed windows at a later time. If your double glazed windows are covered under a warranty, it is important to register the problem when you discover any problems. This can be done online or by contact with the company directly. All of this information in writing will also be useful if you ever require your warranty.