Double Glazing Windows Repairs

Double glazing is the use of two panes within a frame or opening in the wall. The window glass can be damaged and may require repairs.

Whether you’ve noticed condensation between the windows or noticed a distinct draught or hinges or handles are becoming difficult to open These are all indications that your double glazing needs to be repaired. This repair usually requires a reseal of the entire unit.

Broken Panes

Double glazed windows are made up of two glass panes, with an air gap that is filled with inert gases, such as Krypton or argon. This helps to keep heat inside your home and stops cold drafts from entering. Sometimes, windows will be damaged and the entire window will need to be replaced. It is essential to contact the company who sold you the double glazing when you notice cracks or chips in the window.

A few steps can be taken to repair a broken window pane, but it is not recommended that you attempt the upvc repairs yourself unless you’re an experienced DIYer. First of all, you will have to put on gloves and carefully remove the broken pane. If it’s cracked, apply strips of masking tape across the areas that are cracked in a crisscross pattern. This will stop the cracks from becoming worse over time, particularly in the winter. It is also recommended to cover your work surface in newspapers to stop any broken pieces from falling. Once the broken pane is removed, scrape off any glazing putty or window seal with the help of a knife. Remove the glazing points using pliers. Then, apply an adhesive that quickly dries to cover the wood surface.

Take measurements of the length and width of the channels that have grooves with a tape. Subtract 1/8′ from both measurements to allow for some movement of the new pane. Then, slide the new pane into position and roll a thin rope of glazing compound in the grooved channels. Tap lightly with an Hammer at 6” or intervals of 8 inches to help set the glass in place but be careful not to break the glass.

It is worth using your double glazing warranty to avoid the cost of a complete replacement window. The warranty generally covers the cost of any parts that you might require replacing and also labour. It is important to verify the warranty details as they will vary from company to company.

Foggy Glass

Foggy glass is often caused by condensation in between the panes your double glazing. It can be caused by many things, including variations in temperature, especially if the frames aren’t installed correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves.

In most cases, double glazing contractors are able to repair the issue quickly and efficiently. It is essential to contact the company that installed your windows as soon as you notice an issue, and follow this up in writing. It will be easier to contact the company if you have to later. This is also helpful in the event that your warranty or guarantee covers the issue.

The most effective method to eliminate the fogging is by replacing the gasket seals. This is done without the need to replace the entire window unit, and will also aid in keeping your home energy efficient. To accomplish this the window glazier must take off any retaining clips or strips that are holding the IGU in place and cut through the old sealant with a saw.

They’ll then construct or purchase an IGU that is designed to fit inside the frame, and they’ll use special sealants to ensure that it’s air and watertight. After they’re done they’ll install the retaining clips or strips and apply more sealant to ensure it’s secure.

If you’re lucky, the misting may cease after this. It’s important that your frames are ventilated properly to stop the build-up of moisture in your walls or ceilings.

Another common problem reported by double glazing owners is that their windows or doors become difficult to open and close It could be due to extreme weather conditions, or it could mean that the frame has dropped or sagged a bit over time, and isn’t sitting flush with the rest of your house. If this is the case you can try wiping down the frames with cold water to shrink them a bit. But this won’t solve the problem completely. If you aren’t able to get the problem to go away, you might require replacement by an expert.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when the insulation gases in double-glazed windows fail to hold their position, leaving moisture and air between the panes. This is a common problem in winter, when humidity levels are usually higher, but it can occur at other times of the year too. A build-up of moisture can lead to mildew and mould around sills, sealants and window frames which are not only ugly but also dangerous to your health. The good part is that condensation can often be sealed by a window professional to help reduce moisture in your home and window doctor prevent the build-up of moisture.

Window gaskets are an essential part of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets seal the enclosed space between your window glass to stop drafts or moisture and heat from entering or leaving your home. The gaskets can shrink or disappear over time due to temperature fluctuations as well as weather conditions and the aging process. You may notice condensation on double-glazed doors or windows.

It is possible to fix this, but it will likely require replacing the’sandwich’ (thermo-pane and glass) of your double-glazing window with a precise replacement. It is recommended that unless you have the proper tools, you hire a professional to re-seal double-glazed windows.

Mist between your double glazed windows is another common problem that is difficult to solve. This indicates that the vacuum seal installed at the factory has failed and that there is no way to get dry air inside or out of the window sandwich.

A professional will reseal your window with the same method as they would for the fog or condensation issue. This typically involves removing the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning solution and then sucking the sealant out of the old. It is essential to accurately measure the’sandwich’ in length as well as width and thickness to ensure that the replacement is a perfect fit, and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.

This is a difficult job that requires tools not typically found in DIY stores. It’s best left to professionals because faulty seals can result in mold and damp within your home, which could be expensive and harmful to your health.

Water Leaks

It is crucial to act as soon as you see water leaking from your double-glazed windows. A small leak can quickly become a huge issue if not addressed quickly.

Sometimes, the frame of the Window Doctor could be the cause. Make sure that the sill pan (the flat bottom portion of the window frame) is pitched to drain water away from your home, and not into the window frame itself. If the sill pan isn’t pitched correctly or if you can see moisture in the wood you should contact a double glazing repair company to get professional assistance.

Another reason for water leaks is a damaged window seal. This is usually caused by the weather, damage or age. It’s not as simple to fix and is usually best left to the experts.

A window seal that is damaged can let air through the windows, making it less efficient in energy use. This also allows cold air to enter your home in the winter, and hot air to escape in summer. This can lead to high cost of cooling and heating.

It is easy to fix by applying a fresh layer of caulking. While it is possible for people who have DIY skills to complete this on their own it is generally much more efficient to let a double glazing specialist take care of it for you. This way, you’ll get a guarantee and peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly.

Some double-glazed windows come with warranties of up to 20 years. It is best to contact the company that supplied you with your windows to find out the warranty they provide and for how long. This will save you the cost of having to replace your double glazed windows at a later time. If your double glazed windows are covered under a warranty, it is important to register the problem with them immediately you spot any issues. This can be done online or by contacting the company directly. This information will be useful if you need to use the warranty.