Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you have recently had double glazing installed in your home and they're beginning to show signs of failing you may be wondering if they could 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 damaged or cracked air can flow through more easily. This decreases the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and also against the elements. This could cause cold or hot air to enter your home based on the time of year. Heating and cooling costs will increase.

If the crack isn't too deep, you may be able to utilize an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is only a temporary solution however, and it will only stop the crack from becoming worse. A professional window repair company can fix any damaged glass on double-glazed windows.

It could be risky and difficult to replace windows on your own. If the crack is too large to grasp and hold, try putting strips of masking tape across it in a crisscross pattern before trying to remove it. If the crack isn't too large, you can employ a slicing tool to cut the glass from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. Once the pane is free, you will need to lay it flat on several layers of newspaper to keep any pieces that fall.

To install a new pane you'll need to buy replacement glass and then prepare the frame. To ensure that the new pane is properly fitted, measure the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inch on both sides. Then have your replacement glass cut to this measurement at a local glass shop or hardware store. If you have wooden frames, purchase glaziers points from a hardware store to place them along the edge of your new pane. Be sure to position the points in a way that allows for expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.

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

Water Leaks

Water leaks around a window's frame or sash can be a frequent issue. This happens when the sealant on windows has deteriorated and must be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the drywall and plaster around the window and also cause damp or moldy walls that need to be fixed as soon as is feasible.

A double-glazed window that is of good quality will come with a gasket that is firmly compressed when the sash is closed. Any water that comes into this area must be drained away via the weep holes in the bottom of the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes become blocked by a build-up debris and dirt or the weather stripping around the window might require replacement.

The lintel that is above the window can also be the source of leaks. Installers who built the house might not have understood the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or have clad it in concrete, which left a gap in which rainwater could enter and accumulate, creating dampness or rot on the wood. The builders should have placed the fascia boards in a slant above the window to ensure that the water is directed correctly and this will prevent water from entering the building through these gaps.

A gap between the glass panes of a double-glazed window could also be a source of leaks. A worn seal could have caused gas argon or krypton that is supposed to be between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most serious issue associated with windows that leak however, it could affect energy efficiency. It should be addressed as quickly as possible. In this case, double glazing replacement may be necessary. A professional can complete an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know where the leak is coming from and recommend solutions. They can also tell you whether it is better to fix or replace the window. They will also provide an estimate for any work needed.

Condensation

Condensation is a very common issue in older double-glazed doors and windows, but this can usually be easily solved. This is caused by the lack of air flow around the window. It usually is seen in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of water droplets forming on the glass surface. These droplets will evaporate quickly when the window is heated up by sunlight. If the issue persists it's worth investigating further.

It is also possible to hear the sound of water drip. This is likely due to a broken seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then a repair is highly recommended as it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may also lead to mould in time, so it's recommended to fix the window as soon as you can.

A professional can examine your window and suggest the best solution. Most professional companies will remove the affected pane, and then pipe hot air into the gap between them, this will dry out any remaining moisture and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.

Double condensation on glazing is caused by faulty windowpane seals. If the window seal is damaged, it allows cool air to get into double-paned glass windows, making them to fog. Simple fixes may help, but often the best solution is to replace the windows.

A spacer bar is typically found between the two glass panes of most double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is a source of desiccant that absorbs any moisture and blocks it from getting into the glass. This spacer bar is prone to cracking or breaking, and it's often necessary to replace your entire window.

You can make some repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it is generally better to hire a professional who has been trained to do this. This will not only save you a huge amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired correctly and with the highest quality. Employing a reputable tradesperson could also mean you receive some kind of assurance for the work carried out which you wouldn't get with DIY work.

Shattering

Double glazing is a wonderful innovation that allows homeowners to save money on heating bills while keeping their homes warm and comfortable. However, it isn't indestructible and from time to time issues may arise. These flaws could be dangerous in some instances when they aren't addressed quickly.

If you spot any issues in your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it's important to fix them as quickly as possible. Problems such as misting or water leaks can compromise the effectiveness of windows and cause them to look ugly.

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

A double-glazed window will be sold as an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes, with an opening in between and a rubber gasket which stops water from entering the gap. Certain IGUs contain argon, a gas that keeps heat from leaving the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs is damaged an alternative pane can be purchased from a window manufacturer and then fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is cost-effective for a lot of households.

Depending on the kind of window you own and the condition of the frame, it could be possible to simply repair the damaged window. This is typically the case if it has just developed a few minor cracks, lock but is not shattered. If your double glazed window is completely cracked and cracked, it's likely to replace the entire glass unit and the window sash.