Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing can develop issues. For example, it may be difficult to open the windows or have a door that snags. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved with ease.
Many homeowners try to fix these issues themselves. However, this should be left up to experts. Trying to do window repairs near me without the right tools and expertise could lead to damage.
Broken Panes
A damaged window can be a stressful and annoying issue. It can let hot or cold air in your home, and leave a gap which allows dirt or moisture to get in. It also reduces the efficiency of your energy bills, as your AC and furnace must perform more to keep your home cool. Depending on the season and whether you have single-pane or double-pane windows, you might be able to temporarily fix the damage by using silicone sealant. However for a permanent fix, you will require professional help.
A window that is cracked can be repaired with strong-duty tape. A tape strip placed over a crack can prevent it from escalating. However cracks that go all the way through the glass or one that is too big to be covered with tape will require to be replaced completely.
Broken glass can be caused by numerous factors: a stray pebble from the lawnmower that hits the window; a drink set down too heavily on a glass-topped coffee table or a pet's exuberant jump when you open the door. It can also happen naturally when the frames of your windows move slowly over time and break the special packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
Wear a pair of thick gloves when you've broken a pane of glass. Put a cardboard container near the pane to catch any fragments. Take the sash off and work on an even surface, like the table. Wear a mask to ensure not to inhale the glass fragments.
After removing the old glass, remove any paint and varnish from the window frame. You can use a heat gun to soften the old glazing putty or metal glazing points that held the glass in position.
Then, you can determine the opening size for a new pane. To allow for expansion and contracting you should always purchase an alternative glass that is slightly smaller than the opening. Visit your local hardware store or home center cut the glass to these measurements.
Once you have the new glass, put it in the frame. Fill any gaps with silicone caulk. You can buy it at a home improvement shop. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the corners of the glass and frame around every six inches, so that they hold the pane securely in the right place.
Condensation
Condensation is a possibility on double-glazed windows, no matter if they are brand new. This is especially true in winter, when colder air meets warm glass. While it could cause problems, it's not generally a problem. This is because condensation on windows actually indicates that your double glazing is functioning properly.
However, it can be a sign that the seal is not working and water is flowing through the gap between the window panes. If you notice a milky look on your window or water beads appear on the surface, it needs to be addressed in order to prevent mould, mildew, or any further damage.
Thankfully condensation can be eliminated very easily. A technician will drill a tiny number of holes in the window frame, allowing the moisture that has been trapped to go away. This process is referred to as defogging and can also help to remove any stains caused by the trapped moisture.
Defogging does not fix the root cause of a failing window seal. In fact, it may not do so even when the condensation has gone, because the compromised air that was in between the panes remains. This could mean that you are not getting as much heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
It is important to speak with an expert as soon as you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents to the windows that allow fresh air to enter but not allowing warm air to escape.
The last thing you want is for your double glazing to fail, especially when this can be costly to replace. With the right skills, equipment and knowledge, you are able to repair your double-glazed window to keep it in good working order for a long time. If you require a double glazing repair call us now to discuss what we can do to help. We offer a wide range of services, from replacing one or several panes of tempered glass to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
Leaks can cause damage and are costly to fix. It's expensive to fix and is often an indication of more serious issues in your home, such as dry rot or mold. It is crucial to fix a leak as quickly as you can.
If you experience a draught coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that the seal within the sealed unit has been damaged. This could also mean that there is no longer any gas called argon in the panes of glass which is used for insulation purposes. This issue can be solved by an expert technician who will seal the window.
Double-glazed windows may become cloudy or misty due dirt. This is usually a sign that the seal is degrading and the glass needs to be cleaned. A specialist can do this by using high-pressure water jets to swiftly clean the glass.
If condensation forms between the two panes in your double glazing, it's an indication that the seal is leaking and that there is not any argon remaining between the glass. This is a serious issue and indicates that your double glazing is no longer insulates your home in the way it should. This can be repaired by replacing the glass, but it should be done earlier rather than later as the performance of your double glazed window will be affected.
If you have double-glazed windows that are under warranty, you should contact their installer and report any problems with the units or seal of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will be able to address these issues. If you attempt to alter the seals with the units or try to make any repairs yourself, this could invalidate your warranty, which is why it is best to leave these repairs to the professionals. We recommend hiring a specialist in double glazing repair.
Weather Damage
In areas that experience extreme weather conditions, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame that can hold the glass panes in place. Ice, snow, high wind and storms that are violent can harm your windows. If you notice cracks dents or holes in your windows, contact an expert to repair your double glazing.
If you see water leaking from the bottom of the window, it may be an indication that the inner seal is broken and allows water into your home. In addition, your uPVC or aluminum window frame could be warping or bending. To correct this, you will need to replace the window seal and re-insert it into the frame.
Window seals help to ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from escaping your home, as well as preventing condensation between the glass panes. These window seals are usually made of uPVC aluminum, timber or aluminum and keep the glass in the right place. If the window seals break down, you can be faced with issues like the loss of energy, draughts or misted windows.
The inability of the insulating gases inside double-glazed windows is a common reason for misting windows. The argon gas holds the glass in place and makes an airtight seal, but in the event that the seal is damaged or worn out, it could allow the gases to escape. The gases released by argon could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging solution to prevent any further condensation. The best way to do this is to contact an expert to complete the task for you.
Double-glazed windows are essential, but they can be damaged and require to be repaired. The majority of windows can be repaired without having to replace them. It is best to have a few basic tools available. You'll need protective gloves, a tape measure, scotch tape, or a transparent film and nail polish and a sheet of plastic that is cut to size.