Beware Of This Common Mistake With Your Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Beware Of This Common Mistake With Your Repairs To Double Glazed Windows
Blog Article
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?
If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failing you might be wondering if they can be fixed.
Depending on the issue is and how long ago you bought them from the store, you might be able to get your double glazing back under warranty.
Broken Panes
If a window's glass is broken or cracked, air can pass through more easily. This can reduce the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and against the elements. Depending on the season, this can cause cold or hot air to flow into or out of your home, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating.
If the crack isn't too deep, you might be able to utilize a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is a temporary solution, though, and it will only stop the crack from getting worse. To get the most effective results, a professional window repair company should be contacted to fix any damaged glass in your double glazed windows.
It can be dangerous and challenging to replace windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp and hold, try putting strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack is not too large, you can employ a slicing tool to remove the glass from the frame. Be 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 keep any pieces that fall.
To install a new pane, you'll need to purchase replacement glass and prepare the frame. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 - 1/8 inch in both directions to make sure that your new pane is a good fit. Then have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wood frames, you can purchase points for glaziers at an hardware store to place around the edges of your new pane. Be sure to position the points in a way that will allow expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty level against the glass.
Spread a thick layer using a putty knife after your new pane has been installed. 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 you can fill them in with your chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure that it is level and even around the pane.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a common problem. This occurs when the window sealant has worn out and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window. They can also lead to damp or moldy walls that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
A good quality double glazed window will come with a gasket which is able to compress when the sash is closed. Any water that comes into the area should be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, the weep holes be blocked due to dirt and other debris. The weather stripping may need replacing.
Another possible cause of water leaks is the lintel which supports the brick above the window. The builders who built the house might not have been aware of the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they could have clad it in concrete, leaving a gap through which rainwater can enter and accumulate, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The builders may have an angled fascia board above the windows to ensure that water is directed properly. This will prevent water entering the building.
Another possible leak could be the gap between the glass panes in a double-glazed unit. It's possible that the gas argon or krypton that should be between the glass panes to provide insulation has leaked out of the windows because of an old seal. While this isn't the most serious leaky window problem it can affect efficiency and should be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this instance double glazing replacement might be necessary. A professional can conduct an extensive evaluation, let you know where the leak is coming from and suggest a solution. They can also advise whether it is best to repair or replace the window. They will be able to also give you a price for any work required.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double-glazed doors and windows, however this can usually be easily solved. This is due to an absence of air circulation around the windows. It is common in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of droplets of water forming on the glass's surface. The droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated up by sunlight. However, if the issue persists, it's worth looking further.
There is also the sound of water drip. This is likely because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound, then repair is highly recommended as it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may cause mold in time, so it is best to fix the window as quickly as possible.
Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the best approach to tackling this problem, as they can determine the best method of action. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and pipe hot air into the space between them, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a good seal is put back on.
Double condensation in the glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the seal breaks and causes them to fog up. If this happens, it is possible that simple fixes can help, but in many cases the best solution is to replace the window.
A spacer bar can be located between the glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is stuffed with desiccant which sucks up any moisture that could be present, thereby keeping it out of the glass panes and causing condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes crack or break and in this instance, it is often necessary to replace the entire window.
You can repair some of the issues yourself using the appropriate tools. However, it's usually better to hire someone who is trained to do this. You'll save lots of time and ensure that the double-glazing is repaired correctly. Using a trusted tradesman can also mean that you get some type of guarantee for the work carried out which you wouldn't get with DIY work.
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, problems can occur. These flaws could be dangerous in some instances if they're not addressed promptly.
If you notice any problems with your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it is important to address them as quickly as you can. Problems like misting and water leaks can reduce the effectiveness of the windows, and can cause them to look ugly.
It's usually more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. So, if you've noticed any signs of issues with your double glazing, you should consider looking for local companies that specialize in the repairs of glass repairs double glazed windows and asking for quotes. The lowest price may not be the best option. Be sure that the company you choose to work with offers the guarantee of their work.
When a double glazed window is sold in the market, it will be housed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes that have an opening in between and a rubber gasket which keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs also contain a gas like argon that helps to keep heat from escaping your home, thereby saving you on energy costs.
If one of the IGUs is damaged, it is possible to replace the pane purchased from a window maker and fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the whole window and is much cheaper for most households.
It could be possible to repair the damaged glass dependent on the kind of frame and condition of your window. If the glass has developed only a few small chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the situation. If your double-glazed window has completely broken, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.