Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing is the use of two panes within a frame or opening in the wall. Sometimes, this window glass gets damaged and may require repairs.
If you've noticed condensation between your windows, or a noticeable draft, or handles and hinges become difficult to open, this could be an indication that your double glazing is in need of repair. This repair usually involves a reseal of the entire unit.
Broken Panes
Double glazed windows consist of two glass panes, with an air gap that is filled with inert gases like argon or krypton. This helps to keep the heat in your home, while also preventing cold drafts and moisture from entering. Sometimes windows get damaged and when this happens the entire window could require replacement. If you notice cracks or chips in the window, it is crucial to contact the company that sold you the double glazing as soon as possible to report the problem and ask for repairs.
It is possible to fix damaged glass with just a few steps, but it is not recommended unless you have previous experience in DIY. Wear gloves and carefully remove the broken window pane. If the pane is cracked, use masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern to the areas that are cracked. This will stop the cracks from worsening over time, especially in the winter. It is also recommended to cover your work surface in newspapers to stop any broken pieces from falling. Once the broken pane has been removed, scrape off any glazing putty or window seal using a putty knife and remove the glazing points with pliers. Then, use an adhesive that quickly dries to coat the bare wooden surface.
Measure the length and the width of the channels with grooves with the help of a tape. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to account for the slight movement of the replacement pane. Then, slide the new pane in place and then roll a thin rope of glazing compound inside the grooved channels. Tap the glass gently with a hammer every 6" or 8" to aid in setting it in place. Be careful not to break it.
If you have a double glazing warranty, it's often worth attempting to utilize this in order to avoid the expense of a complete replacement window. Generally the warranty will cover the cost of any part that you might need to replace and also labour. It is essential to verify the details of your guarantee as it will vary from one company to the next, so make sure you know the coverage and when.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually caused by condensation in between the panes your double-glazing. This can be caused by many factors, such as variations in temperature, especially when the frames aren't set correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves.
The good thing is that in most cases, this can be repaired easily by a professional double glazing installer. window repairs near me is essential to contact the company who installed your windows when you discover a problem, and always write a note. It will be easier to reach out to the company if you need to contact them later. This is especially helpful when your warranty or guarantee covers the issue.
The best way to fix the fogging is to replace gasket seals. This is done without having to replace the entire window unit and it will also help to keep your home energy efficient. To do this the window glazier needs to remove any retaining clips or strips that are holding the IGU in place and then cut through the sealant using the aid of a saw.
They'll then build or order an IGU that is designed to fit the frame, and then they'll apply special sealants to ensure that it's air and watertight. When they're done, they'll reinstall retaining clips or strip and apply additional sealant.
If you're lucky the misting will cease. It's important that your frames are ventilated properly to prevent moisture from accumulating within your ceilings or walls.
Another frequent issue that double glazing owners have reported is that their windows or doors become difficult to open and close This could be the result of extreme weather, or it could mean that the frame has dropped or sagged slightly over time, and isn't sitting in line with the rest of your home. If this is the problem you can try wiping the frames with cold water to shrink them a bit. However, this won't solve the problem completely. If you're unable to resolve the issue, you may require a professional to replace the frames.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when the insulating gases in double-glazed windows fail to hold their position, leaving moisture and air between the panes. This is more prevalent in winter when humidity levels tend to be higher. However it can also occur at other times. Moisture build up can lead to mildew and mould on sills, sealants and window frames that are not only unattractive but also harmful to your health. A window professional can often seal condensation to lessen moisture and prevent the build-up of moisture within your home.
Window sealing, also known as window gaskets, are an essential part of any double glazing window or door. Gaskets are used to seal the air-tight space between the window glass to prevent drafts, moisture, and heat from entering or leaving your home. The gaskets may perish or shrink over time due to temperature fluctuations, weather conditions and aging, meaning that condensation could be developing on double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to repair this, but it will likely require replacing the'sandwich' (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazed window with a precise replacement. It is recommended that, unless you have the proper tools, you hire an expert to re-seal your double-glazed window.
Mist in your double-glazed windows is another issue that can be difficult to repair. This indicates that the vacuum seal installed at the factory has failed, and there's no way to get dry air in or out of the window sandwich.
Professionals will reseal your window using the same procedure they would employ to solve a condensation problem or fog. This typically involves removing the sandwich and spraying the cleaning solution on it, then sucking out the sealing agent. It is vital to measure the sandwich in terms of width, length and thickness. This will ensure that the replacement is perfectly sized and that the new seal is drawn.
This is a challenging job that requires tools not typically found in DIY stores. It is best to leave this job to professionals since faulty seals can lead to mold and damp in your home. This could be costly and harmful to your health.
Water Leaks
If you notice that water is leaks around your double-glazed windows, you must respond quickly. If you don't act swiftly, even the smallest leak could become a major problem.
Often times the window frame itself can be the culprit. Make sure that the sill pan which is the flat base of the window frame, is pitched so that water drains away from your house and not into the frame. If you find that the sill pan has not been properly pitched or you see water inside the wood, you should call an expert in double-glazing repair.
A damaged window seal is another frequent cause of leaks. This could be caused by age or damage, or even weather. This isn't an easy fix and should be left to professionals.
A broken window seal can let air through the windows which makes it less efficient in energy use. This also allows cold air to enter your home in the winter and hot air to escape in summer. This can result in high cost of cooling and heating.
The most simple way to fix this is to apply a new layer of caulking. While it is possible for those with a few DIY skills to do this themselves, it is normally much easier to let a double-glazing specialist take care of it for you. This way you will get a guarantee and peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly.
Some double-glazing windows come with warranties of up to 20 years. You should check with the company who sold you your windows to find out what warranty they offer and for how long. This will save you the expense of having to 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 issue with them immediately you spot any issues. You can do this on the internet or by contact them directly. This information is useful if you need to use the warranty.