Double Glazing Window Repair

Over time double glazing may create problems, such as being difficult to open windows or a door that snags. These issues can be easily resolved.

Many homeowners try to fix these problems themselves. However this should be left up to the experts. It is dangerous to attempt to fix these problems without the proper tools and information.

Broken Panes

A broken window pane is a nagging and uncomfortable issue. It can let cold or hot air into your home, and leave a gap that allows debris or moisture to get into. This could also affect your energy efficiency as your AC or furnace will need to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the season and whether you have single or double-pane windows, you might be able to temporarily repair the damage by using silicone sealant. A permanent fix requires professional assistance.

A cracked window can be repaired with heavy-duty tape. A tape strip placed over a crack can stop it from worsening. However cracks that go all through the glass or that is too big to be covered with tape will require to be replaced completely.

The excitement of a pet when you open the door could cause broken glass. The frames of your window could shift over time and crack the packaging material that holds the glass sheets in place.

Wear thick work gloves in the event of a broken pane of glass. Set up a cardboard box near the pane to collect any shards. Take the sash off and work on an even surface, such as a table. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in glass fragments.

After you have removed the old glass, take off any varnish or paint from the window frame. You can also use a heating gun to soften any old glazing putty as well as metal glazing points that held the glass in place.

Then you can measure the opening of the new glass. It is recommended to purchase replacement glass slightly smaller than the opening of the original to allow for expansion and contraction. Have your local hardware or home center cut the glass according to these dimensions.

Put the glass in the frame. If there are gaps, you can fill them with silicone caulk that you can buy at a local home improvement store. Smooth the caulk with a putty blade. Add glazier's points to corners of the glass frame around every six inches, so that they hold the pane securely in the frame.

Condensation

If your double glazing windows are old or new it's common for them to develop condensation. This is especially the case in winter, when colder air meets warmer glass. While it can cause problems, it's not typically a major issue. Condensation on windows is a sign your double glazing system is working properly.

However, it could be a sign that the seal is failing and water is flowing through the gap between your window panes. You may notice a milky look on the window or beads appearing on its surface, and this must be addressed to stop mold, mildew or any further damage.

Thankfully, condensation can be removed quickly. A technician will drill a small number of holes into the window frame, allowing the moisture trapped to escape. This is referred to as defogging, and it can be used to get rid of staining caused by the trapped moisture.

Defrogging doesn't fix the root cause of a faulty window seal. It may not even work when the condensation has gone away, because the compromised air between the panes may still be there. This could mean that you will still not receive as much insulation from your windows as you could.

It's important to consult an expert as soon as you detect moisture in your windows to determine the next steps. They might suggest a solution such as adding vents in the windows that allow fresh air to circulate but do not allow warm air to escape.

It's the last thing you want for your double-glazing to break down. This is particularly true when it will be costly to replace. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, skills and tools, it's possible to repair your double-glazed and keep it in good condition for years to come. If you require repairs to your double glazing call us now to discuss how we can assist. We offer a full range of services, from replacing one or more panes of glass to installing energy-efficient upgrades.

Leaks

A leak can be a major issue as it indicates that you may have damp ingress that can lead to damage. It can be costly to fix, and is often an indication that your home has other problems such as mould or dry rot. It is crucial to fix the leak as soon as possible.

If you notice that your double-glazed windows are draughty, it is likely that the seal has been damaged. This may also mean that there is no longer any gas argon between the panes of glass which is used for insulation purposes. A professional technician can reseal your window to fix this issue.

Sometimes dirt can cause a double glazed window to become cloudy or hazy. This is usually a sign that sealing is failing and the glass should be cleaned. A specialist can do this by using high-pressure water jets that quickly clean the glass.

If condensation is beginning to form between the two glass panes in your double glazing then this is an indication that the seal has developed a leak and that there is no argon between the panes of glass. This is a serious problem and indicates that your double glazed window does not insulate your home as well as it should. The glass can be replaced, but you will have to do it earlier rather than later because the performance of the double-glazed window has been affected.

If you own double-glazed windows covered by warranty, you should contact the installer and report any problems with the units or sealing of the glass. It is highly unlikely that the warranty will be able to address these issues. If you attempt to alter the seals with the units or try to make any repairs yourself, it will void the warranty, and you should always leave these repairs to the professionals. We suggest that you employ a double glazing repair specialist.

Weather Damage

In areas with extreme weather, double-glazed windows require a sturdy frame that can keep the glass panes in place. Ice snow, high winds and violent thunderstorms can damage your windows. Contact a professional for repairs to double glazing if you see cracks, dents or holes.

If you see water running down the sides of the window, it could be a sign that the seal inside is broken and let in moisture into your home. Your uPVC window frame or aluminum window frames could be bending or warping. You will need to replace the window seal and put it back into the frame in order to correct this.

Window seals are used to ensure that double-glazed windows are airtight and stop heat from leaving your home, as well as preventing condensation between the glass panes. The window seals are generally constructed of uPVC or aluminum and hold the glass in place. If the window seals break down, you can encounter issues such as the loss of energy, draughts or windows that have mist.

Misting windows are a typical problem and is due to the gas used to insulate the double-glazed window deteriorating. The argon gasses keep the glass in place and create a airtight seal however, if it gets damaged or worn out, the gases can escape. The escaped argon gases can lead to condensation between the glass panes.

The issue can be fixed by replacing the window seal, and then re-inserting glass. You can also apply an anti-fogging product to stop future condensation. It is best to hire professionals to do the work for you.

Double-glazed windows are important, but they can be damaged and need to be repaired. Most windows can be repaired without having to replace them. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to have some basic tools on hand. You'll need a an insulated glove, a tape or film that is transparent, nail polish, scotchtape and a sheet of plastic.