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 problem is and the date you bought them from the store, you might be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window's glass is cracked or broken, it allows air to flow more easily, reducing the effectiveness of windows as insulation and barrier against the elements. Depending on the season this could cause cold or hot air to escape or enter your home, increasing the cost of cooling and heating.

If the crack in your double glazing isn't very deep, it may be possible to just apply a strong-hold tape. This is only a temporary solution, though, and it could only stop the crack from getting worse. To get the best results, a reputable window repair company should be contacted to fix any damaged glass that is present in double-glazed windows.

Attempting to replace a broken window pane by yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is too large to grasp, try pressing strips of masking tape across it in a crisscross pattern before trying to remove it. If the crack is small enough, you can keep it in place and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves and a mask when cutting glass. Once the glass is removed then place it flat on several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that might fall.

To install a new glass pane, double glazing you will need to purchase replacement glass and set up the frame. Find the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inches in both directions to make sure that the new pane will fit properly. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wood frames, you can purchase glaziers' points at hardware stores to put around the edges of your new pane. The points should be placed in a manner they can allow for expansion and contraction, while keeping the putty flush with the glass.

Spread a thick layer of it with the blade of a putty maker after the new pane has been installed. You can use a linseed oil-based putty like Sarco or a less expensive product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the frame and pane using the compound you choose. Be sure to smooth the compound to ensure that it is even and level all around your pane.

Water Leaks

Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a common problem. This happens when the sealant on windows has damaged and requires replacement. Water leaks around windows can cause damage to the plaster or drywall and can cause damp walls.

A double-glazed window of good quality will have a gasket which expands with force when the sash closes. Any water that hits this area must be drained away through the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. Sometimes, however, the weep holes get blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris, or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

The lintel on top of the window could also be the source of leaks. Installers who built the house may not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they may have covered it with concrete, which left a gap in which rainwater could get in and then get trapped, and cause dampness or rot to the wood. The builders should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that water is directed correctly and this will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed Window Replacement could also be the cause of leaks. A worn seal could have caused the argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be in between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows, it will impact on efficiency and must be taken care of as soon as is possible. In this situation replacement double glazing might be the best option. A professional can conduct an exhaustive assessment and let you know the source of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They will also help you decide if it is better to replace or repair the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work needed.

Condensation

Condensation is quite a common issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, but it can be easily solved. It is caused by the lack of air flow around the windows and occurs in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. Droplets of water on the surface of the glass are a clear indication of condensation. The droplets will disappear when the glass is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists it is worth investigating further.

It is also possible to hear water drip. This could be because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended as it will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could cause mould in the long term It is therefore recommended to have the window repaired as soon as possible.

Having a professional inspect your window for condensation is the most efficient method of tackling this problem, as they will be able to recommend the correct method of action. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between the two, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure a quality seal is reapplied.

Windowpane seals that fail are the main cause of condensation problems with double glazing. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to get into double-paned windows, which makes them to fog. If this occurs, it is possible that simple fixes can assist, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.

The majority of double-glazed windows feature an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two glass panes. This spacer bar contains desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and prevents it from reaching the glass. Unfortunately, this bar can sometimes crack or break and in this instance, it is typically required to replace the entire Window Replacement.

It is possible to carry out some repairs yourself if have the appropriate tools, however it is generally better to employ an experienced professional to carry out this for you. You will save a lot of time and ensure that the double glazing is repaired correctly. A reliable tradesman will offer a guarantee on the work done that you could not receive if you tried to do it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is a fantastic innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills, whilst keeping their homes warm and comfortable. However, it isn't indestructible and occasionally issues can arise. These faults can be dangerous in some cases when they aren't addressed quickly.

If you find any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it is important to fix them as quickly as you can. Issues such as misting or leaks of water can affect the effectiveness of the windows, and can leave them looking unsightly.

It is often far cheaper to fix your double glazed windows than to replace them completely. If you notice any signs of trouble with your double glazing it is worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and requesting estimates. Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best choice and ensure that your chosen company has a warranty on their work.

A double-glazed window will be sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). This is what consists of the two glass panes, a space between them and an insulating rubber seal that prevents water from getting into the insulating gap. Some IGUs also contain a gas like argon, which helps keep heat from leaving your home, thereby saving you on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs has been damaged, a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is normally far cheaper than replacing the entire window and is far cheaper for most households.

Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, double glazing it might be possible to fix the damaged part. This is usually the case when it has only developed a few small cracks, but is not damaged. If the double-glazed windows are totally broken, it's recommended to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.