Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing refers to panes of glass within the frame of a window or wall opening. Sometimes, the window glass becomes faulty and may need repairs.
If you've noticed condensation in between the windows, a noticeable draught or if the handles and hinges are becoming difficult to open or close, these are all indications that your double glazing requires to be repaired. The repair typically involves a resealing of the entire unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes that have an air gap in between that is filled with inert gases such as argon or krypton. This helps to keep the heat inside your home, while also preventing cold drafts and moisture from escaping. Sometimes the windows may be damaged, and the entire window will require replacement. It is crucial to call the company that supplied you with double glazing immediately in the event that you spot cracks or chips appearing in the window.
A few simple steps can be taken to fix a damaged window pane, although it is not recommended that you attempt repairs on your own unless you are an experienced DIYer. First of all you'll require gloves and remove the broken pane. If it's cracked apply strips of masking tape over the areas that are cracked in a crisscross design. This will prevent the cracks from becoming worse over time, particularly in the winter. It is also advisable to cover your work surface in newspapers to prevent any broken pieces from falling. Once the damaged pane has been removed scrape away any glazing putty or window seal using a putty knife and remove the glazing points using pliers. Then, use primer that is quick drying to coat the bare wooden surface.
If you are able to purchase a new replacement pane you can measure the length and width of the grooved channel with a tape measure. Subtract 1/8' from both measurements to allow for some movement of the new pane. Then, you can roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the channels with grooves and slide the replacement glass into the grooves. Tap the glass gently using a hammer every 6" or 8" to help it set in its place. Be careful not to break it.
If you have a double-glazing warranty, it's often worth attempting to utilize this to avoid the cost of a full replacement window. Generally the warranty will cover the cost of any part that you may need to replace and also labor. You should verify the terms because they may differ from one company to the next.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually caused by condensation between the panes of your double-glazing. This can be caused by many things, including variations in temperature, especially if the frames aren't installed properly, or even the aging of the seals themselves.
In most instances, double glazing installers can fix this problem quickly and easily. It is essential to contact the company who installed your windows immediately if you notice an issue, and follow this up in writing. This will make it easier if you need to contact them later on - and can be extremely helpful if the problem is covered by your warranty or guarantee.
It is possible to fix the issue by replacing gasket seals. This won't need replacing the entire window unit, and will make your home efficient in terms of energy use. The window glazier will first remove any retaining strips or clips that are holding the IGU and then make use of a saw to cut through the old sealant.
They'll then build or order an IGU that is designed to fit in the frame, and they'll use special sealants to ensure that it's air-tight and watertight. When they're done installing the clips or strips that hold it and apply more sealant to ensure it's secure.
If you're lucky, the misting will end after this. It's still important to ensure your frames are properly ventilated so that moisture doesn't accumulate in your walls and ceilings.
Double glazing owners have also reported that their doors and windows are difficult to open or close. This could be due to extreme weather conditions or the frame has sagged over time and is not in line with the rest of your home. If this is the case, try wiping the frames with cold water in order to shrink them down slightly - but it's unlikely that this will resolve the issue completely. If you aren't able to get the problem to go away, you may need to have them replaced by a professional.
Condensation
Condensation happens when the insulating gases in double glazing windows fail to hold their place leaving air and moisture between the panes. This is more common in winter as humidity levels are higher. However, it can also happen at other times. A build-up of moisture can lead to mould and mildew around sills sealants, window frames and even window sills that are not only unattractive but also harmful to your health. The good part is that condensation can usually be resealed by a professional window installer to reduce the moisture level in your home and prevent moisture from building up.
Window sealing, or window gaskets are a crucial part of any double glazing door or
upvc window repairs near me. These gaskets seal the air-tight space between the window glass to keep drafts or moisture and heat from entering or leaving your home. Gaskets can degrade or shrink over time due to weather, temperature conditions, and aging, which means that you may notice condensation developing on double-glazed windows or doors.
This can be fixed however, it will require replacement of the "sandwich" (thermo-pane & glass) inside your double-glazing window. It is recommended that, unless you have the right tools, you employ an expert to seal your double-glazed windows.
Another common problem is mist that occurs between double-glazed windows. This can be an issue that is difficult to fix. This is a sign that the vacuum seal in the factory has failed and there is no way to get air out or in the sandwich.
A professional will reseal the window by using the same procedure they would with the fog or condensation issue. This will normally involve taking off the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning solution and then sucking out the old sealant. It is essential that you take measurements of the sandwich in terms of length, width and thickness. This will ensure that the replacement is perfectly sized and that a new seal can be drawn.
This can be a tricky job and requires specialised tools that aren't typically available in DIY stores. It is best to leave this job to professionals as incorrect seals could result in damp and mold in your home. This can be costly and dangerous to your health.
Water Leaks
If you notice water getting into your double glazing windows, you must take action quickly. Even the smallest leak could become a major issue if not addressed quickly.
Most of the time, the window frame itself could be to blame. Check to make sure 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 pitched properly or if you can see moisture in the wood you must contact an expert repair
service for double glazing for professional help.
Another reason for water leaks is a damaged window seal. This could be caused by the aging process damage, weather, or any other. This isn't an easy fix and should be left to the experts.
This can lead to lower efficiency of energy. This can also allow cold air to enter your home in the winter months and hot air to escape during summer. This could result in costly cooling and heating costs.
It is simple to fix it by applying a new layer of caulking. Although those with DIY skills are able to do this on their own however, it is more efficient to have a double-glazing expert handle the task. You will have peace of mind and an assurance that the work is done correctly.