Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can develop issues. For example it might be difficult to open the windows or have doors that get stuck. These problems can be easily resolved.
Many homeowners will attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to the experts. Trying to do this without the proper tools and experience could cause damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged window is an annoying and inconvenient issue. It could let cold or hot air into your home and leave a gap that lets in debris or moisture. This can affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will need to work harder 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 with silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional assistance.
Heavy-duty tape can be used to repair a damaged window. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to prevent it from getting any worse. However cracks that go all the way through the glass or that is too big to be covered by tape will have to be replaced entirely.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from the lawnmower that hits the window; an unintentionally placed drink heavily on a glass-topped coffee table; or a pet's excited jump when you open the door. The frames of your window can shift over time and break the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in position.
Wear gloves that are thick when you've broken a pane of glass. Place window repairs near the pane to collect any fragments. Remove the sash and work on an even surface, like a table. Wear a mask to ensure not to breathe in the glass shards.
Once the old glass has been removed, take off any varnish or paint that is on the window's frame. You can use a heatgun to soften old glazing putty or metal glazing points which held the glass in position.
You can then determine the opening size for the new pane. To allow for expansion and contraction you should always purchase the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. Make sure that your local hardware or home center cut the glass according to these measurements.
Put the glass in the frame. If there are gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk which is available at a local home improvement store. Smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glaziers' points to the frames and corners of the glass approximately every six inches so that the pane is held securely in place.
Condensation
No matter if your double-glazed windows are old or brand new it's quite common for them to experience condensation. This is particularly true in winter when colder air meets warm glass. Although it can create some issues, it's typically a major issue. Condensation on windows is an indication that your double glazing system is functioning properly.
It could be an indication that the seal is not working, and moisture is seeping through the gaps between your window panes. If you notice a milky look on your window or if water beads appear across its surface, this needs to be addressed to prevent mold, mildew, or further damage.
Thankfully condensation can be gotten rid of very easily. A technician will drill a tiny number of holes in the window frame, which allow the moisture trapped to escape. The process is known as defogging and can also aid in the removal of any stains caused by the trapped moisture.
Defrogging doesn't fix the underlying issue of a damaged window seal. In fact, it may not do so even when the condensation has gone, because the compromised air that was between the panes is still there. This could mean that you will still not receive as much heat insulation from your windows as you could.
If you've noticed that moisture is build-up in your windows, it's an ideal idea to consult with a professional as soon as you can to figure out what the next steps to take be. They may be able to recommend a solution, like putting vents in the windows to let fresh air in, but not letting warm air escape.
It's 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 glazing to keep it in good shape for a long time. If you need a double glazing repair contact us today to find out what we can do to help. We offer a wide range of services ranging from replacing one or several panes of glass that has been tempered to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are expensive to repair. It's expensive to repair and can be an indication of other issues within your property, like dry rot or mould. This is why it's essential to fix a leak as soon as possible.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows are draughty it's likely that the seal has failed. It could also mean there is no gas argon between the glass panes which is used for insulation purposes. A professional technician can reseal your window to solve this issue.
Sometimes, dirt can cause a double-glazed window to appear cloudy or misty. This is usually an indication that the seal is deteriorating and the glass must be cleaned. A specialist can do this using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.
If condensation forms between the two panes of your double glazing, it's an indication that the seal is leaky and that there is not any argon remaining between the glass. This is a serious issue and could mean that your double glazing is not insulating your home as it should do. The glass unit is able to be replaced, but you will have to do it earlier rather than later because the performance of the double glazed window has been impacted.
If you have brand new double-glazed windows under warranty, you should contact the company that installed them and report any problems with the units or the sealing of the glass as it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. If you attempt to alter the seals with the units or attempt to make any repairs yourself then this will invalidate your guarantee, so you should always leave these repairs to the experts. We recommend hiring a specialist in double glazing repair.
Weather Damage
In areas of extreme weather, double-glazed windows require a strong frame that can hold the glass panes. Ice snow, high winds and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. If you notice cracks, holes or dents in your window, contact a professional to repair your double glazing.
If you notice that water is running out of the bottom of your window, this could be a sign there is a breach in the seal within the window. This lets moisture enter your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames might also be bent or warped. To fix this issue, you'll have to replace the window seal, and then insert it into the frame.
Window seals ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight. prevent heat from escaping your home and stop condensation between the glass panes. The window seals are generally made of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and hold the glass in the right place. You can experience problems like the loss of energy and draughts if the window seals fail.
The failure of the insulating gases inside double-glazed windows is a common cause of misting windows. The argon gas holds the glass in place and makes an airtight seal. However in the event that the seal is damaged or worn, it may allow gases to escape. The escaped argon gases could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be solved by replacing the window seal, inserting the glass and then applying an anti-fogging agent to prevent condensation from occurring in the future. It is recommended to employ 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, many windows can be restored without the need for replacement. To accomplish this, it is recommended to have a few basic tools at hand. You'll need a gloves that are protective, tape or film that is transparent, nail polish, scotchtape and a plastic sheet.