The Top 5 Reasons People Win At The Repairs To Double Glazed Windows Industry
The Top 5 Reasons People Win At The Repairs To Double Glazed Windows Industry
Blog Article
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you have recently installed double glazing in your house, and it is beginning to begin to show signs of failing, you might be wondering whether they are able to be repaired.
You might be able to get your double glazing under warranty depending on the problem and the date when you bought it.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged or cracked air can flow through more easily. This decreases the effectiveness of the window as an insulation and protects against the elements. Depending on the time of year, this can cause hot or cold air to enter or escape your home, causing an increase in heating and cooling costs.
If the crack in the double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to simply apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary solution however, and it could only stop the crack from getting worse. A reputable window repair service can repair any broken glass that has been smashed on your double-glazed windows.
The process of replacing a damaged window pane yourself can be difficult and risky. 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 not too large, you can employ a slicing tool to cut the glass away from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. After the pane has been cut it is necessary to place it flat on a few layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that may fall.
To install a new pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and then prepare the frame. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that your new pane will fit properly. Cut your replacement glass at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, buy some glaziers' points at a hardware store to install along the edges of your new pane. Be sure to install the points in a way that will allow expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.
After the new pane is in place and you are happy with it, apply an even layer of your chosen glazing compound using a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a lesser product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the frame and pane using the appropriate compound. Be sure to smooth the compound so that it is level and even around the pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks around a window's frame or sash are a common issue. This occurs when the window sealant has deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can lead to damp or moldy walls that need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
A double-glazed window that is of good quality has a gasket that expands with force when the sash closes. Any water that comes into this area must be drained out through the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes become blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window might need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel which is a support for the brick that is over the window. The builders who constructed the house may not have understood that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly or they may have simply clad it with concrete leaving gaps that allow rainwater to be able to enter and collect around the window, creating dampness in the wall or wood rot. The builders should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed properly and this will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.
Another leak could be the gap between the glass panes in double-glazed units. It's possible that the gas argon or Krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation has escaped of the windows because of an old seal. Although this is not the most serious issue associated with leaky windows however, it could affect energy efficiency. It is important to address the issue as quickly as possible. In this situation, replacement double glazing may be the best option. A professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and recommend solutions. They will also be able advise whether it is advisable to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also provide an estimate for any work needed.
Condensation
Condensation is a very common problem in older double glazed doors and windows, however this can usually be easily corrected. This is due to an absence of air circulation around windows and is common in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem persists it's worth looking further.
Another indicator of condensation is when you hear water drippy. This could be due to a broken seal between the two panes of glass. If you hear this sound, then repair is highly recommended since it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can cause mold in time, so it's best to get the window repaired as soon as you can.
A professional can examine your window and suggest the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the space between the two, this will dry out any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.
Double glazing condensation is caused by windowpane seals. When the window seal fails it allows cool air to get into double-paned glass windows, making them fog. If this happens it is possible that simple fixes will help, but in many instances, the best option is to replace the window.
A spacer bar can be located between the two glass panes of most double-glazed upvc window repair windows. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant that absorbs any moisture that could occur, thus keeping it out of the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can crack or break and in this situation, it is often required to replace the entire window.
You can make some repairs yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who is skilled in doing this. This will not just save you a good amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and of the highest quality. A reputable tradesperson will also offer a guarantee for the work completed that you could not get if you were to do it yourself.
Shattering
Double glazing is an ingenuous product that allows homeowners to reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. However, it isn't indestructible and, from time to time, issues may arise. In certain instances these flaws could be dangerous if they are not addressed quickly enough.
If you find any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family members in danger, it is important to address them as quickly as you can. Issues such as misting or leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows, and can leave them looking unsightly.
Repairing double-glazed windows can be cheaper than replacing them. If you notice any signs of problems with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double-glazed window repairs and requesting quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the most effective and make sure that the company offers a warranty with their work.
If a double-glazed window is sold, it will be contained in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is made up of two glass panes that have an area between them, and a rubber gasket that keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs contain Argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the house and helps save money on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, an alternative pane can be purchased from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is cheaper for most households.
It may be possible to repair the damaged window based on the type of frame and the condition of the window. If the glass has formed only a few tiny chips, but not been broken, that's usually the situation. If the double-glazed windows are completely broken, it is recommended to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.