Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can save you money and energy on your household bills. But, if your windows and doors are difficult to open or are sagging, they can reduce their thermal efficiency.
The space between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is filled with an inert gas such as argon, krypton, or xenon. This is the part of the window that most people have problems with.
Broken Panes
Double glazing is designed to withstand the elements and hold glass in place, whether it's from a baseball, or an intense wind. A cracked or broken glass window can leave your home vulnerable to weather conditions and increase the cost of energy because air is able to go through or out of the house.
It's much easier to let professionals take care of cracks, even if you could do it yourself. They can quickly request replacement glass for your window frames, and with a bit of experience, can do the job in less time than you think. Additionally, they often provide some form of guarantee for their work which isn't available if you try and fix it yourself.
The first step is to remove the old glass. Wearing thick gloves and eye protection is a good idea for this step. After removing the glass, use a putty blade to get rid of any remaining glaze compound or glazing points.
After you've removed the old glass, you'll have to determine the opening of the new one. It should be a bit smaller so that the seal is secure. Use boiled linseed or a clear coat of exterior paint on wood windows to help the new glazing adhere to the frame.
Most companies offer a warranty on their products, usually for a period of either 10 or 20 years, so be sure to check with them what yours covers and until when. It's also a good idea to submit any complaints written rather than via phone, so you have proof should the company fail to fulfill their obligations or fail to address your issue.
If your double glazed window is misting up it could be possible to buy a specialist kit that drills holes in the frame to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. But, this is only a short-term fix and can result in condensation or drafts within your home. So, while you can purchase DIY kits, it's often more cost-effective and easier to get the help of a professional.
Leaking Seals
Double glazing is extremely robust, but it may develop issues, especially if there are many leaks. These are usually caused by issues with seals, condensation, or even draughts. Double-glazed windows can typically be repaired to resolve the issue, preventing you from having to replace them completely and saving thousands of pounds.
If your double glazing has developed a leak, it can be a very frustrating problem to resolve. If you notice any water or damp around the frame of your window, it is important to contact your installer as soon as you can. This will allow them to repair the seals and avoid further damage.
A lot of people believe that it's impossible to repair leaks in double glazing, however this isn't the case. Most double-glazed windows can be repaired if the seal has not broken and allowed condensation to flow through the panes. This also stops the heat from your home escaping and can reduce your energy costs by making them lower.
Double glazing can also be difficult to open or close. In a lot of cases, this is solved by lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, or handles. Also, it is worth checking your warranty to see if this is covered by the company who installed your double glazing. It is worth comparing quotes to find the best price and quality work should you need to replace your double glazing.
Double glazing that has mist is a common issue. It can occur with any type of glass unit. The reason behind this is that the seal on the glass unit may be damaged over time, allowing condensation to accumulate between the two panes of glass. Many companies will make a hole in the misted window and blow air through it to remove the condensation. This is a quick, cheap solution but is not recommended because it only fixes the symptoms and does not address the root cause.
Condensation
Condensation is a very common issue with double glazing. In some cases condensation could be a positive indicator. It means that your windows are operating well and are keeping your home warm and energy efficient. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't take any steps to stop it from happening again.
You need to make sure that your home is well ventilated to keep your double-glazing performing exactly as it should. If you do not have this, condensation may build up on the cold surfaces of your home, such as mirrors and glass windows. This can be caused by a number of factors, including excessive humidity and poor air circulation, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where there is lots of moisture.
It's also worth noting that if your double glazed is under warranty and you're having problems with condensation then it is recommended to speak with the installers and inform them about the issue. The issue will typically be covered by the warranty and they should be willing to fix it without cost.
The other way to fix condensation issues is to buy a dehumidifier, and then place it in the area which is most troublesome. This will help absorb the excess moisture, and prevent it from damaging your double glazing and causing further issues within your home.
If you are experiencing issues with condensation between your double glazing and has been in the process for a long time, it's likely that the vacuum seal that was drawn by the factory has failed. This will require a replacement of the thermopane, and it is recommended to have an expert handle this task as any attempts at tampering with the window units can cause damage to your warranty.
Damage
Double glazing is designed for insulation. It keeps your home warm and reduce the cost of energy. However, damage can occur that can affect the performance of your windows. A typical issue is drafts, which can be caused by damaged hinges, handles, or locks and cause the loss of heat. These issues are easily solved by simply replacing the damaged parts.
Another issue that is common is condensation between the glass panes. This can be frustrating since it can block the view and limit the ability to let light through. It can be corrected by replacing the glass affected. It is usually done by removing the old unit and installing a new one. The unit may have to be cleaned and sanded to ensure that the seal is airtight.
A more serious problem is if your double glazed windows start to become cloudy and the gap between the panes has been opened. This could be due to various factors, including storms or strong winds, however, it could be caused by the seal being damaged or worn out in the window unit.
If your double-glazed windows are getting misty, it's important to act quickly as the integrity of the window may be compromised. double glazing window repairs can result in higher energy bills and drafts within your home. Make sure that the double glazing is still covered by the warranty. The manufacturer could provide the possibility of a replacement.
A common problem with double-glazed is that the doors and windows are difficult to open. This can be caused by many things such as weather conditions and can be corrected by wiping down the mechanism or by using oil.
Double glazing is a great feature for homes of all kinds however, it could be damaged and need repair, which could cost a lot. If you notice any problems with your double glazed windows, it is important to get in touch with a professional glazier as soon as you can to have your double glazed window repairs done correctly. By taking the right steps now, you will ensure that your double glazed windows will continue to perform just as they should for many long time to be.