Check Out: How Double Glazing Windows Repairs Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

Double Glazing Windows Repairs Double glazing consists of two panes in a frame or opening in the wall. Sometimes, the window glass becomes faulty and may need repairs. If you have noticed condensation between your windows, a noticeable draft, or if hinges or handles become difficult to open, it is a sign that your double glazing requires repair. This repair typically involves a resealing of the entire unit. Broken Panes Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes, with an air gap between them that is filled with inert gases like Krypton or argon. This helps to keep the heat inside your home, while also preventing cold drafts and moisture from getting in. Sometimes, windows will be damaged and the entire window will need to be replaced. If you spot a crack or chip in the window, it is crucial to contact the company that supplied you with the double glazing as soon as possible to inform them of the issue and inquire about repairs. It is possible to fix a broken pane of glass with a few simple steps, but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in DIY. First, you will have to put on gloves and carefully remove the damaged pane. If the pane is cracked, use masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern over the areas that are cracked. This will stop the cracks from becoming worse over time, particularly in the winter. It is also an excellent idea to cover your work surface with newspaper in the event that any broken pieces fall off. After the broken pane is removed using a putty knife, you can use it to scrape off any glazing putty and glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points by using pliers. Finally, paint the bare wood with a fast-drying primer. Find the length and width of the channels that have grooves with an instrument. Subtract 1/8' from both measurements to allow for slight movement of the new pane. Then, slide the replacement pane in place and then roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the grooved channels. Tap gently using a hammer at 6'' or 8'' intervals to aid in setting the glass in place Be careful not to break the glass. It is a good idea to take advantage of your double glazing warranty to prevent the expense of a full replacement window. The warranty generally covers the cost of any part that you may need to replace, as well as labour. It is important to verify the warranty details as they can differ from company to company. Foggy Glass Foggy glass is usually caused by condensation that occurs between the panes of your double-glazing. It could be caused by a variety factors, such as fluctuations in temperature, in the event that the frames aren't fitted correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves. The good news is that in most cases, this can be repaired easily by a skilled double glazing installer. It's important to contact the company that installed your windows immediately if you notice any issue, and follow this up in writing. It will be much easier to contact the company if you need to contact them later. This is also helpful when your warranty or guarantee covers the issue. It is possible to solve the problem by replacing the seals on the gaskets. This will not require you to replace the entire window unit, and will help keep your home energy efficient. The window glazier should first remove any retaining strips or clips which hold the IGU and then make use of a saw to cut through the old sealant. They'll then design or order an IGU that is designed to fit the frame, and they'll use special sealants to make sure it's air – and watertight. Once they're finished they'll install the retaining clips or strips and then apply sealant to make sure it's secure. If you're lucky the misting will end. It's still important to ensure that your frames are properly ventilated to ensure that water doesn't get trapped within your ceilings and walls. Another issue that is frequently reported by double glazing owners is that their windows or doors become difficult to close and open It could be the result of extreme weather, or it could be because the frame has sunk or sagged over time, and isn't sitting flush with the rest of your house. If this is the case, try wiping the frames with cold water to shrink them down slightly – but it's unlikely to solve the issue completely. If you're unable to get the problem to go away, you might need to have them replaced by professionals. Condensation Condensation occurs when the insulating gas in double glazing windows fails to hold its place, leaving moisture and air between the panes. This is a common problem in winter, when humidity levels are generally higher, but it can occur at other times of year too. Moisture build up can cause mildew and mould around sills sealants, window frames and even window sills which are not only ugly but also hazardous to your health. A window specialist can often seal condensation to lessen moisture and prevent the build-up of moisture in your home. Window sealing, or window gaskets, are a critical element of any double glazing window or door. They help seal in the air that is insulated between your window glass and block drafts, heat, and moisture from entering or leaving your home. Gaskets can degrade or shrink in time due to temperature fluctuations, weather conditions, and aging, which means that you might notice condensation developing on double-glazed windows or doors. This can be repaired however, it will require replacement of the “sandwich” (thermo-pane & glass) in your double glazing window. It is recommended that unless you have the correct tools, you hire an expert to re-seal your double-glazed windows. Another issue that is common is the mist between double-glazed windows. This is a difficult issue to fix. This is a sign that the vacuum seal installed at the factory has failed and there's no way to move dry air inside or out of the window sandwich. Professionals will reseal your window by using the same method they would employ to solve the issue of condensation or fog. This usually involves removing the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning solution, then sucking the sealant out of the old. It is crucial to precisely measure the sandwich's length width, thickness and length to ensure that the replacement is an exact fit and a new vacuum seal can be drawn between the glass. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools that aren't commonly available in DIY stores. It is recommended to leave this job to professionals, since faulty seals can result in damp and mold in your home. This can be costly and harmful to your health. Water Leaks It is crucial to act when you begin to notice water leaks from your double-glazed windows. Even the smallest leak could become a huge issue if not addressed quickly. Most of the time, the frame of the window could be to blame. Check that the sill pan, the flat base of the window frame, is pitched in a way that water is able to drain away from your home and not into the frame. If you see that the sill pan is not set correctly or you see water in the wood you should call a double-glazing repair company. Another reason for water leaks is a damaged window seal. This could be caused by the aging process or damage, or even weather. This is not an easy fix and should be left to the experts. double glazing repairs Gravesend broken window seal can let air through the windows which makes it less energy efficient. This can also allow cold air to enter your home during the winter months and hot air to escape during summer. This can result in high costs for cooling and heating. The most simple solution is to apply a new layer of caulking. While those with DIY skills can do it themselves but it is generally better to let a double glazing expert handle the task. This way you will get the assurance and peace of mind that the job will be done right. Double-glazing windows can have warranties that last up to 20 years. You should check with the company that supplied you with windows to determine what warranty they offer and how long it lasts. This can save you the expense of having to replace your double-glazed windows at a later time. If you have an insurance policy on your double-glazed windows it is important that you make sure to report any issues as soon as possible. You can do this online or by contact them directly. The information you have in writing will be useful if you ever need to use your warranty.