Common Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing is a great way to stay warm and secure, however it can also lead to a variety of problems over time. Fortunately, these are often easily solved by a professional.
One of the most common problems are doors or windows that become difficult to open. Another is condensation or mists that form between the glass panes.
Broken Panes
A broken window pane is an extremely serious issue, but it's usually one that can be fixed. If the glass is broken into large pieces or shards, or if there is a hole through both panes, it's best to seek out the experts however small cracks or pieces of a double glazing unit can be fixed by following these helpful guidelines.
First of all, wear thick gloves when handling any kind of glass, especially in the case of old glass. Before removing a piece of glass, you should tape newspaper inside the frame. Put it behind the sash to ensure that any shards may fall. Similarly, be sure to pad the floor around the window with newspaper to avoid scratches. After you have covered the window with tape and secured it, take the sash off using a tool such as long-nosed pliers. Then, wiggle the glass shards away into a box (to later be disposed of). Remove any clips or nails from the frame with pliers.
Once the broken glass has been removed, you can start to repair the frame. Scrape off the existing putty, excess paints or varnish, and the old glazier points. You could also use a heating gun to soften the putty and the grooves where the glazier points were. After all the old putty is gone smooth and sanded, you can re-smooth the surface of the frame before applying new glazing compound, ensuring that it fits snugly in the gap to avoid leaks.
The glass is able to be applied and pressed firmly into position. If the new glass comes with a gasket made of rubber, slip this on and press it in place. Finally, paint the new glazing frame and compound to match the other windows in the room. It is possible to repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it is safer and more efficient to employ a professional tradesperson. They will complete the work to a high standard and warrant their work for a long time. Find a local tradesperson that has years of experience in double glazing repairs by using an online service such as Checkatrade.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most frequent reasons for double glazing windows to need repair. If you notice a misty appearance between the glass panes, it's usually caused by a damaged seal. This can be repaired easily without having to replace the window. Window specialists can determine the cause of condensation and design an appropriate seal to stop it from happening again in the future.
It is also important to note that the presence of condensation could be an indication of a more serious problem with the window, such as rot or dampness within the uPVC frame. If this is the case it could be necessary to replace the windows entirely, although in many instances, this can be avoided by using tricksle vents to allow fresh air into your home and prevent condensation from developing.
It can be a bit frustrating to find that your double-glazed windows are leaking up. This will almost certainly affect their performance. This isn't an indication that your windows require to be replaced. Most double glazed windows have a warranty of 10 or 20 years, so it is worth looking into the warranty.
As with everything else, it is always better to avoid condensation beginning to form in the first place rather than trying to fix it once it has formed. The most efficient way to do this is to keep your rooms cool and well ventilated, especially in the wintertime when moisture tends to build up more readily. You should also regularly check the window units to see if there are any indications of condensation. If you do find any, it is important to take action. This is usually as simple as a quick wipe using a cloth. However, it must be noted that there is some debate as to whether removing visible condensation from windows solves the issue or covers it. This method is known as 'defogging' and opinions about its effectiveness differ. Installing trickle vents allows fresh air to circulate through your home and prevent moisture from forming.
Mist
Double glazing is not immune to damages and flaws. Double glazed doors and windows that are having problems should be repaired in the earliest time possible to ensure that they function properly and keep their energy efficiency.
One of the most common issues double-glazed windows and doors can experience is mist. This happens when water finds its way in between the glass panes and is absorbed as condensation. This happens when the rubber seal that prevents water from leaking through the gap between the two glass panes starts to break down.
If moisture gets into the window, it creates fogging that is difficult to see through. This fogginess can be temporary or permanent according to the conditions of the weather. The infiltrating air's moisture can also lead to the accumulation of dirt and dust between the two windows. This build-up can be avoided by cleaning your double-glazed windows.
It is easy to fix mist by removing the IGU and using a defogging solution to clear the water. This will remove all moisture and prevent further mist from forming. This is a cheap solution that will enhance the appearance of windows.
Another option is to make use of a plug and then drill the hole to eliminate the water. This is a temporary fix that could lead to further issues, such as condensation, draughts or leaks.
It is important to find a reputable double glazing company that specialises in repair services. They can provide a quote and a guarantee on their work. In the majority of cases, fixing a double-glazed window is cheaper than replacing it.
If your double-glazed windows are in a state of extreme damage, it may be worth considering replacement instead of repair. This could be the case with completely damaged double-glazed windows or ones with extensive rot. Alternatively, if your double glazing is extremely old and is not providing any energy efficiency, it could be worth upgrading to newer, more efficient units.
Draughts
Double glazing can be prone to drafts. Although they aren't as obvious as a damaged pane, they can still be a major issue for homeowners. They decrease the effectiveness of your home's insulation, making it more difficult to keep warm air in and cold air out. Draughts can be caused by a variety of things. For example, they can be caused by doors that aren't closing properly, like draughts under external doors or gaps in cat doors. Draughts can also be caused by poor window catches or hinges. Another cause of draughts are old-fashioned downlights, which make an opening in the ceiling and draw hot air upwards into the home.
The majority of double-glazed windows that are drafty can be repaired. The reason for this is that draughts are often caused by window repairs cracks in the frame or sealant. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to repair these. These repairs should be done as soon you can. Draughts can make your home less energy efficient and cost you more on your energy bills.
If windows with double glazing are difficult to open and close it's likely that the hardware has been damaged. It's simple to fix and usually cheaper than having the window replaced. Depending on the size of the window you might need to shell out $100 or more for a professional service but it's worth it if want your windows to function as they should.
If you're experiencing problems with your double glazing It could be time to consult a specialist. They can assist with a range of issues and can give you peace of mind that your windows will function as well as they were when they first installed. Additionally, fixing your double glazing is cheaper than replacing it altogether. Double glazed window repair is always a good idea as soon as possible. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and boost the effectiveness of insulation. You could save up to 600 dollars if you repair your double glazing as soon as you can.