Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and are beginning to show signs of failing, you may be wondering if they can be fixed.

Depending on what the issue is and how long ago you purchased them, you may be able to get your double glazing replaced under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window's pane is cracked or broken, air can pass through more easily. This decreases 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 enter or escape your home, increasing heating and cooling costs.

If the crack isn't too deep, you may be able to utilize a strong-hold adhesive tape. This is temporary fix and could be able to stop the crack from becoming worse. A professional window repair service can repair any damaged glass on double-glazed windows.

Attempting to replace a broken window pane yourself is difficult and risky. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern prior to trying to take it off. If the crack isn't too large to be able to hold it in place and use a razor blade to cut it off from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. When the pane is cut free you must lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.

To install a new glass pane, you'll need to purchase replacement glass and then prepare the frame. Measure the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to ensure that your new pane will fit correctly. Then, you can have your replacement glass cut according to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, buy points for glaziers from a hardware store to place them on the outside of your new glass. Make sure to place 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 set, spread a thick layer of your preferred glazing compound using the help of a putty knife. Make use of a linseed-oil-based glue like Sarco or a lesser-priced product such as Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame, fill them in with your chosen compound. Make sure you smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level around the pane.

Water Leaks

The presence of water leaks around the frame or sash is a typical problem that occurs when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks around windows can damage the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.

A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which is firmly compressed when the sash is closed. Any water that gets into this area should be drained out through the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes are blocked by a build-up dirt and debris or the weather stripping around the window could 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 home may not have been aware that this lintel should be allowed to drain properly or they could have just covered it with concrete, leaving a gap where rainwater can be able to enter and collect around the window causing dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The installers should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed correctly and this will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed windows could also be a source of leaks. A damaged seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows, replace it will impact on energy efficiency and must be addressed as soon as possible. In this case, replacement double glazing repair Wokingham glazing may be a good idea. A professional can perform a full evaluation and identify the source of the leak. They can also recommend solutions. They'll also be able advise whether it is appropriate to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also provide an estimate for any work needed.

Condensation

Condensation is quite a common problem in older double glazed doors and windows, however this can usually be easily solved. It is caused by an absence of air circulation around the windows and occurs in kitchens and bathrooms. The most evident indication of condensation is 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 is worth looking further.

You can also hear water drip. This is most likely because of a broken seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue can cause mould over time It is therefore recommended to get the window fixed as soon as possible.

A professional can inspect your window and recommend the best solution. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the space between the two, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is put back on.

The windowpane seals failing are the main cause of condensation problems with double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air into double-paned glass windows, making them to fog. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes could help, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.

The majority of double-glazed windows have spacer bars that sit between the two glass panes. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that could be present, thereby keeping it out of the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this bar can sometimes crack or break and in this instance, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.

It is possible to complete some repairs yourself if you have the appropriate tools, but it is generally better to employ an experienced professional to carry out this for you. This will not just save you a good amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired correctly and with the highest possible quality. Using a trusted tradesman can also mean you receive some form of guarantee for the work done that you can't get from DIY jobs.

Shattering

Double glazing is a revolutionary product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. It is not indestructible and problems can arise periodically. These faults can be dangerous in some instances if they are not corrected promptly.

Therefore, if you've noticed any issues with your double glazing that could put your family members at risk, then it's important to fix them in the earliest time possible. Problems like misting and leaks of water can affect the effectiveness of the windows and leave them looking unsightly.

It is often far more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than to replace them entirely. If you notice any signs of trouble with your double glazing, it's worth looking into local companies that specialize in double glazed window repairs and asking for quotes. Be aware that the most affordable quote isn't always the best option and ensure that your chosen company offers a warranty with their work.

If a double-glazed window is sold, it will be contained within an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes that have an area between them, and a rubber gasket that stops water from entering the gap. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGU panes is damaged, then a replacement can be bought from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far cheaper for most households.

It may be possible to repair the damaged pane based on the type of frame and the condition of the window. If the glass has formed only a few tiny chips, but hasn't damaged, this is typically the case. If your double-glazed window has completely shattered, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.