Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your home and it is beginning to show signs that they are failing, you may wonder if they can still be repaired.
Depending on the issue is and when you purchased them the store, you might be able to get your double glazing replaced under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is damaged or cracked, it allows air to pass more easily, lowering the windows' efficiency as insulation and barrier against the elements. This can cause cold or hot air to enter your home, based on the season. The cost of cooling and heating will rise.
If the crack is not too deep, you might be able to apply a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is only temporary fix and could just prevent the crack from getting worse. A professional window repair company can fix any broken glass on double-glazed windows.
It is risky and difficult to repair a window pane on your own. If the crack is extensive and difficult to remove, you can try applying strips of masking tap in a crisscrossing design. If the crack is small enough to be able to keep it in place and use a razor to cut it away from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. Once the pane is free you must lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.
In order to install a replacement pane you'll need to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that the new pane is a good fit. Then, you can have your replacement glass cut to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, purchase points for glaziers from a hardware store to install on the edges of your new pane. Be sure to position the points in a manner that allows for expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.
After your new pane is in place and you are happy with it, apply a thick layer of your glazing compound with a putty knife. Use a linseed-oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser-priced product such as Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame then fill them in using the chosen compound. Smooth the compound over your new pane to make sure it is level and even.
Water Leaks
The occurrence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a frequent issue that happens when window sealant has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster surrounding the window, and can lead to damp or moldy walls that need to be repaired as soon as is feasible.
A good quality double glazed window has a gasket that is able to compress when the sash is closed. The water that is absorbed by this area must be drained through the weepholes in the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes are blocked by a build-up debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window may require replacement.
Another potential culprit of water leaks is the lintel that is a support for the brick that is above the window. Installers who built the house may not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel to drain properly, or they may have clad it in concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater could get in and then accumulate, causing dampness or rot on the wood. The installers should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that water is directed correctly and this will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.
A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be the cause of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most severe leaky window issue however, it could affect energy efficiency and must be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case replacement double glazing might be a good idea. A professional will conduct a full evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest a solution. They'll be able to tell you whether it makes sense to repair the window or replace it completely. They will be able to also give you a quote for any necessary work.
Condensation
Condensation is quite a common problem in older double glazed doors and windows, but it can be easily solved. This is caused by an absence of air flow around the window, and typically is seen in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. The most obvious indication of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass's surface. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the problem persists, it's worth looking into further.
Another indication of condensation is when you hear water drips. This is most likely because of a damaged seal between the two panes of glass. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended as it will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem can cause mold in the long run, so it is best to fix the window as soon as you can.
Having a professional examine your window for condensation is the most efficient approach to tackling this problem, as they will be able to suggest the best course of action. Professional companies will remove the glass that is affected and blow hot air between the two panes. This will evaporate any remaining moisture and guarantee that a good seal is applied.
Failing windowpane seals are the main reason for condensation problems with double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them fog. If this happens it's possible that simple fixes can assist, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.
A spacer bar is usually located between the two glass panes in most double-glazed windows. This spacer bar contains desiccant that absorbs any moisture and stops it from reaching the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack, and in this case it is typically required to replace the entire window.
It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if have the right tools, but it's generally better to employ an experienced professional to carry out this for you. You will save a lot of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired properly. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some kind of assurance for the work that is completed that you can't get from DIY work.
Shattering
Double glazing is an amazing technology that lets homeowners save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It is not indestructible and there are issues that can arise from time to time. These issues can be dangerous in some instances when they aren't addressed promptly.
Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family at risk it is essential to fix them as soon as possible. Faults such as misting and water leaks can reduce the performance of windows and leave them looking unsightly.
It's usually cheaper to repair your double glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you see any indications of trouble with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double glazed window repair s and requesting quotes. The cheapest quote may not be the best option. Make sure that the company you choose to work with offers a guarantee with their work.
Double-glazed windows are sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes that have a space in between, and a rubber gasket that prevents water from leaking into the gap. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that prevents heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGU panes is damaged, a replacement can be bought from a window manufacturer, and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is more affordable for a large number of households.
Depending on the type of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged pane. This is typically the case if it's only developed a few tiny cracks, but it isn't shattered. If your double-glazed window has completely shattered, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit and the window sash.