Double Glazing Window Repair
Over time double glazing may develop problems such as difficult to open windows or a door that snags. These problems are easily solved.
Many homeowners try to solve these issues on their own but this should be left to the experts. Doing this without the proper tools and experience could result in damage.
Broken Panes
A window that is damaged is a nagging and uncomfortable issue. It could let hot or cold air into your home, and leave a gap that lets in dirt or moisture. This can affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will have to work harder in order to keep your home comfortable. It is possible, depending on the weather and if your windows are single-paned or double paned to repair the damage temporarily using a silicone sealant. However for a permanent fix, you will require professional help.
Heavy-duty tape can be used to repair a damaged window. A tape strip placed over a crack can prevent it from getting worse. However cracks that go all through the glass or that is too big to be covered by tape will have to be replaced completely.
The excitement of a pet when you open the door can cause broken glass. It could also happen naturally as the frames of your windows shift slowly over time and break the protective packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.
If you've broken a glass pane, you should wear thick gloves and place an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to collect the fragments. Remove the sash from the frame and work on a flat surface like tables. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in the glass fragments.
Once the old glass is removed, clean any varnish or paint that is on the window's frame. You can also use a heating gun to soften any old glazing putty or metal glazing points that held the glass in the first place.
Then, you can measure the opening of a new glass. To allow for expansion and contraction you should always purchase the replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening. Visit your local hardware store or home center cut the glass to these measurements.
Press the new glass into the frame. If there are gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk, which you can purchase from a home improvement store. Smooth the caulk using a putty knife. Add glazier's points to edges of the glass frame every six inches, so that they keep the pane in the frame.
Condensation
If your double glazing windows are old or brand new it's quite common for them to experience condensation. This is particularly the case in winter when colder air is able to meet warmer glass. This can cause problems however it's not usually a big issue. Condensation on windows is a sign that your double glazing system is operating well.
However, it can be a sign that the seal is not working, and moisture is seeping through the crack between the window panes. If you notice a milky look on your window or water beads appear on the surface, it needs to be addressed to stop the growth of mould, mildew or further damage.
Luckily condensation can be eliminated quickly. A technician will drill a tiny number of holes in the window frame, which allows the moisture trapped to go away. This process is known as defogging. It can also be used to eliminate staining caused by trapped moisture.
Defrogging doesn't fix the root cause of a failing window seal. It might not even work even if the condensation has gone away as the air that is leaking between the panes might remain. This could mean that you are not getting the heat insulation as you would like from your windows.
It is essential to consult an expert as soon you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might suggest an option such as putting in vents in the windows that let fresh air in but not allowing warm air to escape.
The last thing you would like is for your double-glazed unit to break down, especially when it's costly to replace. With the right skills, knowledge and tools, it's possible to fix your double glazing and keep it in great condition for years to come. Contact us now if you require double repairs to your glazing. We provide a variety of services, from replacing one or several panes of tempered glass, to installing energy efficient upgrades.
Leaks
A leak can be a major issue as it indicates that there is a possibility of damp ingress that can cause damage. This can be expensive to repair and can be an indication of more serious issues with your property such as dry rot or mold. This is why it's essential to fix a leak promptly.
If you notice that your double-glazed windows are draughty it's likely that the seal has failed. This could also mean that the argon gas that is used to seal the glass panes has been taken away. A professional technician can reseal your window to resolve this problem.
Double glazed windows can become cloudy or misty due dirt. This is typically a sign that the sealing is deteriorating and the glass must be cleaned. This can be done by a specialist using high pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass of any dirt or debris.
If condensation is forming between the two panes of glass in your double glazing, it is a sign that the seal has opened an open and there is no longer any argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and could indicate that your double glazing does not insulate your home as properly as it should. The glass unit can be replaced, but you'll have to do it sooner rather than later, as the performance of the double glazed window has been affected.
If Orpington double glazing have new double-glazed windows under guarantee, you should contact the company that installed them and report any issues with the units or the sealing of the glass, as it is unlikely to be covered by the warranty. You'll lose your warranty if you attempt to repair the units yourself or tamper them. We recommend that you hire a double glazing repair specialist.
Weather Damage
Double-glazed windows need a strong frame to hold the glass panes together and keep them in place, particularly in extreme weather areas. Ice, snow, high wind and violent storms can cause damage to your windows. Call a professional to repair double glazing if you see cracks, dents or holes.
If you see water flowing out from the bottom of your window, this could be a sign there is a broken seal inside the window. This lets moisture get into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could be bending or warping. To correct this, you will have to replace the window seal and re-insert it into the frame.
Window seals are used to ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight, and prevent heat from leaving your home, and also stopping condensation between the glass panes. Window seals are typically constructed of uPVC, aluminum or timber and help to hold the glass in place. When the window seals break down, you can experience problems such as the loss of energy, draughts or windows that have mist.
Misting windows are a typical problem and is caused by the insulating gas inside the double-glazed window failing. The argon gas holds the glass in place and creates an airtight seal, but when the seal is damaged or worn out, it may allow gases to escape. The escaped argon gases can cause condensation between the glass panes.
The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal and then re-installing glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to avoid future condensation. It is best to hire professionals to do the job for you.
Double-glazed windows are important but they can also be damaged and need to be repaired. The majority of windows can be repaired without having to replace them. It is best to have a few basic tools on hand. You'll need gloves to protect yourself and a tape measure, scotch tape or transparent film, nail polish, and a plastic sheet that can be cut to size.