Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing consists of two panes in a frame or
replacement opening in a wall. The window glazing may become faulty at times and require repairs.
If you've noticed condensation between your windows, a noticeable draft, or hinges or handles become difficult to open, this is an indication that your double glazing needs repair. This repair typically involves a reseal on the entire unit.
Broken Panes
double glazing near me-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air space between them filled with inert gasses such as Krypton and argon. This helps keep heat in your home and stops cold drafts from entering. Sometimes,
replacement windows will be damaged and the entire window will need to be replaced. If you spot a crack or chip in the window, it is essential to contact the company who sold you the double glazing as soon as you can report the problem and ask for a repair.
It is possible to repair damaged glass by following a few easy steps, however it is not recommended unless you are experienced in DIY. Wear gloves and then carefully remove the damaged window pane. If it's cracked press strips of masking tape across the cracked areas in a crisscross pattern. This will stop the cracks from becoming worse as time passes, especially in the winter. It is also a good idea to cover your work surface with newspaper in case any broken pieces fall off. After the broken pane has been removed then use a putty blade to scrape away any glazing putty or glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points using pliers. Then, use a primer that dries quickly to cover the wood surface.
If you're able to buy a new replacement pane you can measure the length and width of the channel using a tape measure. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to account for the slight movement of the replacement pane. Then, slide the
replacement pane in place and then roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the channels with grooves. Tap lightly with an hammer at 6 8'' intervals to aid in setting the glass in place, but be careful not to break the glass.
It is worth using your double glazing warranty to avoid the cost of a complete replacement window. The warranty typically covers the cost of any component that you may require replacement, as well as labour. You should check the details as they will vary from one company to the next.
Foggy Glass
Condensation between the panes of your double glazing could cause foggy glass. This could be caused by various reasons including temperatures, improperly installed frames, or the seals that have deteriorated over time.
The good thing is that in the majority of instances this issue can be resolved easily by a professional double glazing installer. It is essential to contact the company who installed your windows as soon as you notice an issue, and write a note. It will be much easier to reach out to the company if you have to do so later. This is also helpful in the event that your warranty or guarantee covers the problem.
It is possible to solve the issue by replacing gasket seals. This won't require you to replace your entire window unit and will help keep your home efficient in terms of energy use. The window glazier should first remove any clips or retaining strips which hold the IGU and then employ a saw to cut away the sealant that was previously used.
Then they will build or buy an IGU replacement to fit the frame and apply special sealants in order to ensure that it is airand water tight. After they're done they'll install the retaining clips or strips and seal it with more to ensure that it's secure.
If you're lucky, the misting could stop after this. However, it's important to ensure that your frames are properly ventilated so that moisture doesn't build up within your ceilings and walls.
Another issue that is frequently that double glazing owners have reported is that their doors or windows become difficult to open and close This could be the result of extreme weather, or it could be because the frame has dropped or sagged a bit over time, and isn't flush with the rest of your home. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames with cold water to bring the frames a bit, but it's unlikely that this will solve the problem completely. If you're unable to resolve the issue, you might need to hire a professional to replace the frames.
Condensation
Condensation happens when the insulating gas in double-glazed windows fails to stay in place, allowing moisture and air between the panes. This is a common issue during winter, when humidity levels are usually higher, but it can occur at other times of year too. A build-up of moisture can cause mildew and mould around sills windows, sealants and window frames that are not only unattractive but also dangerous to your health. The good thing is that condensation can usually be resealed by a window professional to help reduce moisture in your home and prevent the build-up of moisture.
Window sealing, also known as window gaskets, are an essential component of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets aid in sealing in the air that is insulated between your window glass and stop drafts, heat and moisture from entering your home. These gaskets can perish or shrink over time due to fluctuations in temperature, weather conditions and ageing, meaning that you may notice condensation appearing on your double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to fix this however it will require replacing the sandwich (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazing window with an exact replacement. If you do not have the appropriate tools to do the job it is recommended you have a professional re-seal your double-glazed windows.
Another issue that is common is the mist that occurs between double-glazed windows. This can be difficult to resolve. This is a sign that the factory vacuum seal has failed and there is no way to let air into or out of the sandwich.
Professionals will reseal the window by using the same method they would use to fix a condensation problem or fog. This will normally involve removing the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning solution and then sucking the sealant out of the old. It is vital to take measurements of the sandwich in terms of width, length and thickening. This will ensure that the new one will fit perfectly and a new seal can be drawn.
This can be a challenging job and requires specialised tools that aren't typically found in DIY stores. It is recommended to leave this task to professionals, as incorrect seals could result in damp and mold in your home. This could be costly and dangerous to your health.
Water Leaks
If you notice that water is leaking around your double glazing windows it's important to take action quickly. If you don't act swiftly, even the smallest leak could turn into a major problem.
The window frame could be the culprit. Make sure that the sill pan which is the flat bottom of the frame, is sloping so that water is able to drain away from your home and not into the frame. If you find that the sill pan is not set correctly or you see water in the wood you should call an expert in double-glazing repair.
A damaged window seal is a frequent cause of leaks. This could be due to age, damage or weather. This isn't as easy to fix and is typically best left to the professionals.
A broken window seal can let air through the windows, which makes it less efficient in energy use. This allows cold air into your home in the winter and hot gas to escape in the summer. This could result in higher cost of cooling and heating.
The simplest method to fix this is to apply a new layer of caulking. While it is possible for people with a few DIY skills to do this themselves, it is usually much easier to let a double-glazing expert handle it for you.