Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently installed double glazing in your home, and it is beginning to display signs of in danger, you might wonder whether they are able to be fixed.

Depending on what the issue is and the date you purchased them the store, you might be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken or cracked air can flow through more easily. This decreases the effectiveness of the window as an insulation and protects against the elements. Depending on the season, this can cause warm or cold 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 apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary fix, and will only prevent the crack from getting more severe. To get the most effective results, a professional window repair company should be contacted to fix any damaged glass that is present in double-glazed windows.

Removing a damaged window pane by yourself can be challenging and potentially 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 not too large you can make use of a razor to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask when cutting the glass. Once the pane is free it is necessary to place it flat on several layers of newspaper to catch any pieces that may fall.

To install a new glass pane, you'll need to purchase replacement glass and prepare the frame. To ensure that your new glass is a good fit take a measurement of the opening of the frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Have your replacement glass cut at a local hardware or glass shop to this measurement. If you have wooden frames, purchase points for glaziers from a hardware store to be positioned on the outside of your new pane. Position the points so they can allow expansion and contraction while keeping the putty in place against the glass.

Spread a thick layer of it with the blade of a putty maker after your new pane is installed. You can make use of a linseed oil-based glue like Sarco, or a cheaper product like Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame using the appropriate compound. Smooth the compound on your new pane to ensure it is level and even.

Water Leaks

Water leaks in a window's frame or sash are a typical problem. This happens when the window sealant is deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks in the window could damage the plaster or drywall and cause damp walls.

A high-quality double-glazed window will come with a gasket which will firmly compress when the sash is shut. Any water that comes into the area should be drained away through the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. However, in some cases, the weep holes become blocked by a build-up debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

The lintel on top of the window could also be a source of leaks. The people who built the home may not have been aware that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly or they may have simply covered it with concrete, leaving an opening where rainwater could enter and pool around the window causing dampness in the wall or wood rot. The installers should have bent the fascia boards over the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will stop water from entering the building through these gaps.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window can also be the cause of leaks. A worn seal could have caused the gas argon or krypton which is supposed to be in between the glass panes to create insulation to leak out. Although this isn't the most serious leaky window problem, it will impact on energy efficiency and should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case replacing double glazing could be the best option. A professional can perform an extensive evaluation and identify the cause of the leak. They will also recommend solutions. They'll also be able advise whether it is advisable to fix the window or replace it completely. They will also be able to provide you a quote for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it is typically an easy fix. It is caused by the lack of air circulation around the window. It usually occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water droplets on the surface of the glass are an obvious sign of condensation. The droplets will disappear when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem persists it's worth investigating further.

Another sign of condensation is when you can hear water dripping. This is likely because of a damaged seal between the two glass panes. Repairs are highly recommended if you notice this noise. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home. This type of issue can cause mould in time, so it's recommended to get the window repaired as quickly as possible.

A professional can inspect your window and suggest the best solution. The majority of professional companies will take off the affected window and pipe hot air into the space between them, this will evaporate any moisture that remains and ensure a quality seal is put back on.

Failing windowpane seals are the main reason for condensation issues in double glazing. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the window seal is damaged, causing them to get clogged. Simple fixes can aid, but the best solution to this problem is to replace the windows.

The majority of double-glazed windows have an "espacer" bar that is placed between the two panes of glass. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture and blocks it from getting into the glass. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes crack or break and in this situation, it is typically necessary to replace the entire window.

It is possible to carry out some repairs yourself if have the appropriate tools, but it is generally better to employ an expert who is trained to do this for you. You will save a lot of time and ensure that the double glazing is repaired properly. A reliable tradesperson can also mean you receive some kind of assurance for the work done which you wouldn't get with DIY jobs.

Shattering

Double glazing is an ingenuous product that lets homeowners reduce heating costs while keeping their homes warm. It is not indestructible and problems can arise from time to time. In some instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not addressed promptly enough.

If you spot any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family in danger, it's crucial to address them as quickly as possible. Faults like misting and water leaks can reduce the performance of windows and cause them to appear ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is usually cheaper than replacing them. If you spot any indications of trouble with your double glazing it is worthwhile to research local companies that specialize in double glazed window repairs and asking for estimates. The cheapest quote may not be the best choice. Make sure that the company you choose to work with offers an assurance on their work.

When a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed inside an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). It is comprised of two glass panes, the space between them and a rubber seal that keeps water from seeping into the gap that acts as an insulation. Certain IGUs contain the gas argon. It keeps heat from leaving the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs is damaged, Window Repairs a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far more affordable for the majority of households.

Depending on the type of window you have and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to fix the damaged pane. This is typically the case when it has only developed a few small cracks, but it isn't shattered. If the double-glazed windows are completely shattered then it is best to replace both the glass unit and the window sash.