Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing is the usage of two panes inside a frame or opening in a wall. Sometimes, this window glass gets damaged and may require repairs.
If you've noticed condensation between the windows or a noticeable draught, or hinges or handles are becoming difficult to open These are all indications that your double glazing needs to be repaired. This repair usually involves a resealing of the entire unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes with an air gap between them which is filled with inert gases such as argon or krypton. This helps to keep heat inside your home and prevents cold drafts from entering. Sometimes, window repair will be damaged and the whole window may require replacement. If you spot cracks or chips on the window, it is crucial to contact the company that supplied you with the double glazing as soon as you can inform them of the issue and inquire about a repair.
It is possible to repair a broken pane of glass by following a few easy steps, but it is not recommended unless you have previous experience in DIY. Wear gloves and then carefully remove the damaged window pane. If it's cracked apply strips of masking tape across the cracks in a crisscross design. This will prevent the cracks from getting worse over time, particularly during the winter. It is also recommended to protect your work area with newspapers to prevent any broken pieces from falling. Once the damaged pane has been removed, scrape off any glazing putty or window seal using a putty knife and remove the glazing points using pliers. Finally, coat the bare wood with an easy-drying primer.
If you are able to buy a new replacement pane you can measure the length and width of the grooved channel using a tape measure. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to take into account the slight movement of the replacement pane. Then, slide the replacement pane into place and roll thin pieces of glazing compound inside the grooved channels. Tap lightly with the hammer at 6 intervals of 8'' to aid in setting the glass in place Be careful not to break the glass.
If you have a double-glazing warranty, it's worthwhile to try using this to avoid the cost of a replacement window. Generally the warranty will cover the cost of any part that you may require replacement and also labor. It is important to check the terms of your guarantee as it will vary from one company to the next so be sure to understand what is covered and until when.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually caused by condensation that occurs between the panes of your double-glazing. It could be due to a number of things, such as variations in temperature, poorly installed frames, or the ageing seals.
In the majority of instances, double glazing installers are able to fix this issue quickly and easily. It's important to contact the company who installed your windows when you discover a problem, and always write a note. It will be much easier to contact the company if you have to later. This is also helpful when your warranty or guarantee covers the problem.
It is possible to fix the issue by replacing the gasket seals. This will not necessitate replacing your entire window unit and will help keep your home efficient in terms of energy use. To accomplish this the window glazier needs to remove any clips or strips that hold 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 in the frame, and they'll use special sealants to ensure it's air and watertight. Once they're finished, they'll reinstall the clips or strips that hold it and then apply sealant to ensure that it's secure.
If you're lucky, the misting could stop after this. It's still important to make sure your frames are ventilated properly so that water doesn't get trapped in your ceilings and walls.
Double glazing owners also report that their doors and windows are difficult to open or close. This may be due to extreme weather conditions, or because the frame has sagged over time and isn't in line with the rest of your home. If this is the case then you could try wiping the frames using cold water to shrink them slightly. But this won't resolve the issue completely. If you're still unable to solve the problem, you may need to hire an expert to replace the frames.
Condensation
Condensation happens when the insulating gas in double-glazed windows fails to hold its place, leaving moisture and air between the panes. This is a frequent issue in winter when humidity levels are generally higher, but it can happen at other times of the year too. A build-up of moisture can lead to mildew and mould around sills windows, sealants and window frames that are not only unattractive but also hazardous to your health. The good thing is that condensation can often be sealed by a window expert to reduce the moisture level in your home and stop moisture from accumulating.
Window gaskets are an essential part of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets aid in sealing in the air that is insulated between the window glass and prevent drafts, heat and moisture from entering or leaving your home. The gaskets may perish or shrink in time due to fluctuations in temperature, weather conditions, and aging, which means that you may notice condensation forming on your double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to fix this, but it will likely require replacing the'sandwich' (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazed window with an exact replacement. It is recommended that, unless you have the right tools, you hire a professional to re-seal double-glazed windows.
Mist between your double glazed windows is another issue that is difficult to solve. This indicates that the vacuum seal installed at the factory has failed, and there's no way to move dry air into or out of the window sandwich.
Professionals will reseal the window using the same procedure they use to resolve problems with condensation or fog. This typically involves removing the sandwich and spraying the cleaning agent on it, and then sucking out the old sealing agent. It is crucial to accurately measure the'sandwich' in length as well as width and thickness to ensure that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.
This is a difficult task that requires tools not often found in DIY stores. It's best left to professionals because faulty seals can lead to mold and damp in your home that can be expensive and dangerous to your health.
Water Leaks
If you notice that water is leaks around your double-glazed windows, it is important to act fast. If you don't take action quickly even the tiniest leak could be a huge problem.
Sometimes, the window frame itself could be to blame. Verify that the sill pan (the flat bottom portion of the frame) is pitched to allow water to drain away from your home and not into the window frame itself. If the sill isn't properly pitched or if you see moisture in the wood you should contact a double glazing repair business for professional help.
A damaged window seal is another frequent cause of leaks. This could be due to the aging process, damage, or weather. This isn't an easy thing to fix and is typically best left to the professionals.
This can lead to lower energy efficiency. This can also allow cold air to enter your home in the winter and hot air to escape during summer. This can lead to high heating and cooling costs.
It is simple to fix it by applying a new layer of caulking. Although those who have DIY skills are able to do this on their own but it is generally better to have a double-glazing expert handle it. This way you will get a guarantee and peace of mind that the job will be done right.
Some double-glazed windows are covered by warranties that last up to 20 years. It is recommended to check with the company who sold you windows to determine what warranties they offer and for how long. You can avoid the expense of replacing double-glazed windows in the near future. If you have an insurance policy on your double-glazed windows, it is important that you report any issues as quickly as possible. You can do this on the internet or by calling them directly. This information will be useful if you need to use the warranty.