Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time, double glazing could develop problems such as difficult to open windows or doors that gets stuck. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved easily.
Many homeowners will attempt to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to experts. If you attempt to fix this without the right tools and knowledge can lead to damage.
Broken Panes
A window that is damaged is a frustrating and annoying issue. It can let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that allows moisture or debris to get in. It can also decrease your energy efficiency, as your AC and furnace will have to work harder to keep your home warm. Depending on the weather and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you may be able to temporarily fix the damage with silicone sealant. However for a permanent fix, you will require the assistance of a professional.
Tape with a high-performance adhesive can be used to repair a cracked window. A piece of tape can be placed over the crack to stop it from becoming worse. However cracks that extend all through the glass or one that is too large to be covered with tape will require to be completely replaced.
Broken glass can be caused by various factors: a pebble from the lawnmower that hits the window; a drink set down too heavily on a glass-topped coffee table or a pet's euphoric jump when you open the front door. It can also happen naturally as the frames of your windows move slowly over time and break the special packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
If you've broken a glass pane, you should wear thick work gloves and put an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to collect the shards. Then, remove the frame's sash and work on a flat surface, such as tables. Wear a mask to ensure not to inhale the glass shards.
After you have removed the old glass, take off any varnish or paint from the window frame. You can use a heat gun to soften old glazing putty or even the metal points that kept the glass in place.
Then you can measure the opening of the new glass. To allow for expansion and contraction, you should always order the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. You can request that your local hardware store or your home center cut it according to these measurements.
Once you have your new glass, put it in the frame. If there are any gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk which is available from a home improvement store. Then smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glazier's points to the frames and corners of the glass approximately every six inches, so that the pane is securely held in place.
Condensation
Condensation can happen on double-glazed windows, regardless of whether they are old or new. This is particularly true in winter when colder air collides with warm glass. While it could cause problems, it's not generally a problem. This is because condensation on windows actually means that your double glazing is working correctly.
However, it can be an indication that the seal is not working, and moisture is seeping through the gap between the window panes. If you notice a milky appearance on your window or if water beads appear across its surface, this issue needs to be addressed in order to stop mould, mildew, or any further damage.
Fortunately condensation can be eliminated quite easily. A technician will drill tiny holes into the window's frame to let the moisture trapped to escape. This process is called defogging. It can also be used to eliminate staining caused by moisture that has been trapped.
It's important to note that defogging doesn't fix the underlying problem of a leaky seal. It might not even work when the condensation has gone away as the air that is leaking between the panes could still be there. This could mean that you will still not get as much heat insulation from your windows as you could.
It is important to speak with an expert when you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They may be able to recommend a solution, like putting vents in the windows to allow fresh air to in, but not allowing warm air to escape.
The final thing you would like to happen is for your double-glazed unit to break down, especially when this can be costly to replace. With the right skills, knowledge and equipment, it's possible to fix your double glazing and keep it in good condition for the long term. Contact us today for double repairs to your glazing. Crawley window repairs provide a range of services from replacing one or more panes of tempered glass, to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak is a big problem as it means that you may have damp ingress that can cause damage. It's costly to repair, and it's usually an indication that your house is suffering from other issues like mould or dry rot. It's crucial to fix any leak as fast as you can.
If you feel that you feel a draft coming from your double-glazed windows, it's likely the seal inside the sealed unit has failed. This could also mean that there is no longer any argon gas between the panes of glass which is used for insulation purposes. This can be fixed by a specialist technician who will repair the window.
Double-glazed windows may become cloudy or misty because of dirt. This usually means that the seal is failing and the glass must be cleaned. This can be accomplished by a professional using high-pressure water jets that quickly remove any dirt or other debris.
If condensation develops between the two panes of your double glazing, it is an indication that the seal is not sealing properly and that there is not any argon between the glass. This is a serious issue and indicates that your double glazing is not protect your home as well as it should. The glass unit is able to be replaced, but you will need to do it sooner rather than later because the performance of your double glazed window has been impacted.
If you have brand new double-glazed windows under guarantee, you should contact the company who installed them and report any issues with the units or the sealing of the glass as it is not likely to be covered under the warranty. You'll lose your warranty in the event that you attempt to repair the units yourself or alter them. We suggest that you employ a double glazing repair specialist.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame to keep the glass panes together and keep them in place, particularly in areas of extreme weather. Ice snow, high winds and storms that are violent can harm your windows. If you see cracks, dents or holes in your windows, contact a professional to repair your double glazing.
If you see water leaking out of the bottom of your window, it could be a sign there is a breach in the seal within the window. This allows moisture to get into your home. Additionally the uPVC or aluminum window frame may be warping or bending. You'll need to replace the window seal and reinstall it inside the frame to correct this.
Window seals ensure that your double glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from leaving your home, as well as stopping condensation between the glass panes. The window seals are generally made of uPVC or aluminum and hold the glass in place. There can be issues such as energy loss and draughts when the window seals fail.
Misting windows are a common problem and is caused by the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window deteriorating. The argon gases hold the glass in place and create a airtight seal however if the glass is damaged or worn out, the gases can escape. The gases released by argon could cause condensation between the glass panes.
The problem can be solved by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging solution to stop any further condensation. It is recommended to employ an expert to complete the job for you.
While it is important to have double-glazed windows they are not impervious to abrasions and will need to be repaired periodically. The majority of windows can be repaired without needing to replace them. To do this, it is a good idea to have some basic tools at hand. You will need gloves that are protective, tape transparent film, or scotchtape, nail polish and a plastic sheet.