Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can help you save money and energy costs on your household bills. But, if your windows and doors are difficult to open or have sagged, they can reduce their thermal efficiency.
The gap between the glass panes of a double glazed window is filled with an inert gas like argon, krypton or xenon. This is the area that most people complain about.
Broken Panes
Double glazing is designed to withstand the elements and keep the glass in place, no matter if it's from a baseball, or strong winds. Broken or cracked glass window can make your home vulnerable to weather conditions and can increase energy bills because air is able to go through or out of the house.
While you can fix some cracks yourself but it's usually simpler to let a professional take the task. They can order replacement glass quickly and with a little experience, can complete the job faster than you think. They often also offer a guarantee on their work, which you will not get if you attempt to repair it yourself.
The first step is to take off the old pane of glass. Wearing gloves that are thick and eye protection is a good idea during this step. After you've removed the glass, you can start scraping off any remaining hardened glazing compound and the glazing points using a putty knife.
After you've removed the hardened glaze, you can measure the opening to fit the new pane. It should be slightly smaller to ensure the seal is secure. Use boiled linseed or a clear coat of exterior paint on wood windows to help the new glazing stick to the frame.
Contact the company to find out the length of your warranty. It's also a good idea to get any complaints in writing rather than via phone, to ensure that you have proof should the company not meet their obligations or fail to resolve your concern.
If your double glazed window is leaking, you may be able to purchase a special kit that drills holes in the frame to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. But, this is only temporary fix that could cause condensation or draughts within your home. While you could buy DIY kits, it's usually a lot easier and cheaper to get the help of a professional.
Seals that leak
Double glazing is incredibly robust, but it may develop issues, especially if there are many leaks. They could be caused by issues with seals, condensation or even draughts. Double glazed windows can often be repaired to resolve the issue, preventing the need to replace them all the way through and saving you thousands of pounds.
If your double glazing has developed a leak, it could be a difficult problem to address. If you see water or dampness around the frame of your window it is essential to notify your installer as quickly as you can. This will enable them to repair the seals and stop further damage.
A lot of people believe that it's impossible to repair leaks in double glazing but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, most double glazed windows can be repaired, provided that the seal isn't worn down and allowing condensation to pass between the panes. This will also prevent the heat from your home from escaping, which will lower your energy bills.
Another common complaint about double glazing is that it can become difficult to open and close. In many cases this is a simple issue that can be solved by oiling hinges, mechanisms or handles. Also, it is worth checking your warranty to determine whether this is covered by the company that installed your double-glazed. It is worth having a look at quotes to determine the best deal and quality work, if you have to replace your double glazing.
Misted double glazing is a common issue that can happen to any type of glass unit. The reason behind this is that the seal on the glass unit can be damaged over time, allowing condensation to accumulate between the two panes glass. Many companies will make a hole in the window that is misting and blow air into it in order to clear the condensation. This is a quick and cost-effective solution, but it isn't recommended since it only corrects the symptoms and not the root cause.
Condensation
Double glazing is known to cause condensation. In some cases condensation can be a positive sign. It means that your windows are working well and are keeping you warm and efficient in energy use. But, that does not mean that you shouldn't take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
To keep your double glazing operating as it should, you must ensure you have adequate ventilation around your property. If you do not have this, condensation could form on cold surfaces in your home, like mirrors and glass windows. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as excessive humidity and poor air circulation, especially in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where there is plenty of moisture.
Also, if you have a double-glazing item that is covered that is covered by warranty and you have condensation issues, it is advisable to contact the installers. It's usually covered under the warranty, and they should be willing to fix it without cost.
Another method to resolve condensation issues is to purchase a dehumidifier, and then place it in the space which is most troublesome. This will help soak up the excess moisture and stop it from causing damage to your double glazing and causing further issues within your home.
If you're experiencing problems with condensation forming between your double-glazed units and has been in the process for a long time, it's likely that the vacuum seal that was created at the factory has failed. This will require a replacement of the thermopane, and it is recommended to have an expert do it as any attempts to interfere on the window units may cause damage to the warranty.
Damage
Double glazing is designed to provide insulation, keeping your home warm and reducing your energy bills. However, there are instances of damage that can affect the performance of your windows. A typical issue is drafts. These can be caused by broken handles, hinges or locks, causing you to lose heat. Fortunately, the drafts can be fixed easily by replacing the parts that are at fault.
Another common issue is condensation between the glass panes. This can be a nuisance because it blocks the view and can cause light to be blocked. It can be corrected by replacing the affected glass. In general, this is done by removing the old unit and replacing it with a new one. However, the unit may require sanding and cleaned to ensure that the seal is airtight before it can be replaced.
A more serious issue is if your double glazed windows become misted this means that the gap between the panes has been opened. This could be due to many factors, like strong storms or winds. It can also be due a faulty window seal, or the degeneration of the unit.
If your double-glazed windows are leaking it's crucial to act quickly as the integrity of the window could be damaged. This could lead to more energy bills and drafts within your home. It is also vital to determine whether your double glazing is still under warranty, as the manufacturer might be able to offer a replacement.
Another common double glazed fault that can be fixed is when the windows or doors are difficult to open. This could be due to various factors such as weather conditions and can be fixed by wiping down mechanisms or by using oil.
Double glazing is an excellent feature for many homes however, it could be damaged and require repair, which can be expensive. If you notice any damage to your double-glazed windows, it is important to contact an experienced glazier as soon as you can to have your double glazed window repairs completed correctly. You can make sure that your double-glazed windows will perform well for a long time by taking the right steps.