Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and they are beginning to show signs of failure, you might be wondering if they can be repaired.

Depending on what the problem is and when you bought them from You may be eligible to receive your double glazing back under warranty.

Broken Panes

If a window's pane is damaged or cracked, it allows air to pass more easily, lowering the effectiveness of windows as insulation and a barrier against the elements. This could cause hot or cold air to enter your home, based on the season. Heating and cooling costs will increase.

If the crack is not too deep, you might be able to use an adhesive tape with strong-hold. This is only temporary fix, and may only stop the crack from becoming more severe. To get the best results, a professional window repair company should be called to repair any broken glass in your double glazed windows.

Attempting to replace a broken window pane yourself can be tricky and dangerous. If the crack is large and difficult to remove, you can try applying strips of masking tap in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack is small enough, you can keep it in place and use a blade to remove it from the frame. Wear gloves and a mask while cutting the glass. Once the pane is free you must place it flat on several layers of newspaper to stop any pieces that might fall.

To install a new pane, you'll need to buy replacement glass and set up the frame. To ensure that the new glass is a good fit, measure the opening of the window frame and subtract between 1/16 and 1/8 inches on both sides. 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 points for glaziers from hardware stores to put along the edges of your new pane. Be sure to install the points in a position that allows for expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty level against the glass.

After the new pane has been placed and you are happy with it, apply a thick layer of your glazing compound using a putty knife. Make use of a linseed-oil-based glue like Sarco or a lesser-priced product such as Dap glazing compound. Fill any gaps that exist between the new pane and frame with your chosen compound. Smooth the compound over your new pane to make sure it is even and level.

Water Leaks

The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common issue that happens when window sealant has become degraded and needs to be replaced. Water leaks can cause damage to the plaster and drywall surrounding the window. They can also cause damp or moldy walls that need to be restored as quickly as possible.

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

The lintel above the window could also be an area of leaks. The builders who constructed the house might not have realized the importance of allowing the lintel drain properly, or they may have covered it in concrete leaving a gap that rainwater can enter and accumulate, causing dampness or rot on the wood. The installers should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the 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 can also be the cause of leaks. It is possible that argon or krypton gas that should be positioned between the glass panes to create insulation has escaped of the windows because of a worn out seal. While this isn't the most serious issue with leaky windows it can affect energy efficiency and must be dealt with as soon as it is possible. In this case, replacement double glazing may be the best option. A professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation, letting you know the source of the leak from and suggest a solution. They will also help you decide whether it is best to repair or replace the window. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, this is generally an easy solution. This is due to the lack of air flow around the windows and occurs in areas like kitchens or bathrooms. The most evident indication of condensation is water droplets forming on the glass surface. These droplets will quickly evaporate when the window is heated by sunlight. If the issue persists, it is worth looking further.

It is also possible to hear water drip. This is most likely because of a damaged seal between the two panes of glass. If you hear this sound it is highly recommended as it will block cold drafts from entering your home. This kind of issue could cause mold in time, so it's recommended to fix the window promptly.

A professional will inspect your window and recommend 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 eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is put back on.

Windowpane seals that fail are the primary cause of condensation problems with double glazing. Cool air enters double-paned windows when the seal fails, causing them to become cloudy. Simple fixes can help, but often the best solution is to replace the windows.

A spacer bar is usually located between the two glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. The spacer bar is stuffed with desiccant that absorbs any moisture that could be present, thereby preventing it from reaching the glass panes and creating condensation. However, this spacer bar can crack or break and in this situation, it is often required to replace the entire window.

It is possible to carry out repairs yourself if you have the right tools, but it's usually better to hire an experienced professional to carry out this for you. This will not only save you a great amount of time, it will also ensure that your double-glazing is repaired properly and of the highest quality. A trusted tradesman will also provide you with a warranty for the work completed, which you would not get if you were to do it yourself.

Shattering

Double glazing is a wonderful technology that lets homeowners save money on heating bills, whilst keeping their homes warm and comfortable. It is not indestructible, and issues can occur periodically. In some instances, these faults may even be dangerous if not dealt with quickly enough.

If you find any issues with your double-glazing, which could put your family in danger, it's important to address them as quickly as you can. Problems such as misting or leaks of water can affect the efficiency of windows and cause them to look unsightly.

It's usually more cost effective to repair your double glazed windows than it would be to replace them entirely. If you see any indications of problems with your double glazing it is worth researching local companies who specialize in double-glazed window repairs and asking for estimates. Be aware that the lowest price isn't always the best choice and ensure that your chosen firm offers a guarantee on their work.

Double-glazed windows are sold in an Insulated Glass unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit upvc repairs (IGU) is comprised of two glass panes with a space in between, and a rubber gasket which prevents water from leaking into the gap. Some IGUs contain Argon, a gas that stops heat from escaping the home and saves you money on energy costs.

If one of the IGUs is damaged a replacement pane can be purchased from a window maker and fitted to the frame. This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far more cost-effective for most households.

It could be possible to repair the damaged window based on the kind of frame and condition of your window. This is usually the case when it has only developed a few small cracks, but has not damaged. If your double-glazed window has completely shattered, then it's probably best to replace the entire glass unit as well as window sash.