Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can save you money and energy in your household bills. But, if your windows and doors are difficult to open or are sagging, they could reduce their thermal efficiency.
The gap between the glass panes of a double glazed window is filled with an inert gas such as the argon gas, krypton gas or xenon. This is the portion of the window where the majority of people have problems with.
Broken Panes
From a rogue baseball or a storm, double glazing is designed to hold the glass in place and protect it from the elements. However, a damaged or cracked window exposes your home to weather elements and can cause higher energy bills as air enters or escapes the house.
While you can fix some cracks yourself however, it's generally more efficient to let professionals take the task. They can provide replacement glass quickly and, with a bit of experience, they can finish the task much quicker than you think. They will also often offer a guarantee for their work, which you will not get if you try to repair it yourself.
The first step is to take off the old pane of glass. Wearing thick gloves and eye protection is a good idea during this step. After taking the glass off, use a putty blade to get rid of any remaining glaze compound or glazing points.
After you've removed the old glazing, you'll need to measure the opening of the new one. It should be a bit smaller to ensure the seal is secure. If you have wood windows, use boiling linseed oil, or a clear coat of exterior paint to assist in ensuring that the new glaze sticks to the frame.
Contact the company to determine how long your warranty is. It is also recommended to record your complaints in writing rather than calling the company. This will provide proof that the company did not meet its obligations or fails to resolve your issue.
You may be able buy an instrument that drills holes in your double-glazed window frame to eliminate moisture and create an airtight seal. However, this is only an interim fix and could result in condensation or draughts within your home. While you can buy DIY kits, it is often easier and more cost-effective to work with experts.
Seals that leak
Double glazing is extremely durable, but over time it can develop problems particularly if there are a lot of leaks. They could be caused by issues with seals, condensation or even draughts. Repairing double-glazed windows is typically the best solution to fix the problem. This will save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from having them replaced.
It can be a hassle to face a double glazing leak. If you notice any water or dampness around the frame of your window, it is important to contact your installer as quickly as you can. This will allow them to repair the seals and avoid further damage.
Many people think that double glazing leaks cannot be fixed however this isn't necessarily true. In fact, most double-glazed windows can be fixed, as long as the seal hasn't been broken down and allowing condensation to flow between the panes. This will also prevent heat from your house from escaping, which will reduce your energy costs.
Another common complaint about double glazing is that it can become difficult to open and close. In most cases, this is a problem which can be fixed by oiling the hinges or handles, as well as the mechanisms. Similarly, it is worth checking your warranty to determine whether this is covered by the company who installed your double glazing. If you need to replace your windows, it is always worthwhile to compare quotes from different companies to determine the most affordable price and the highest quality of work.
Misted double glazing is a very common problem that can occur to any type of glass unit. This is due to the seal on the glass unit can wear out over time, allowing condensation to build between the two panes. Many companies offer blowing air through the hole dug into the misty glass to clear it of the condensation. This can be a quick and inexpensive solution, however it's not recommended since it's only a temporary fix and does not address the root of the issue.
Condensation
Double glazing can cause condensation. In some instances condensation could be a good indication. It indicates that your windows are working well and are keeping your home warm and energy efficient. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take any steps to stop this from repeating itself.
You need to ensure that your home is adequately ventilated to keep your double-glazing working just as it should. It is possible to get condensation on your mirrors or glass windows if you don't have adequate ventilation. This is caused by a variety of factors, such as excessive humidity and a lack of air circulation, particularly in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where there is plenty of moisture.
Also, when you own an item with double-glazing that is under warranty and have condensation issues it is advisable to contact the installers. The issue will typically be covered by the warranty and they should be able to fix the issue at no additional cost.
Another option to address condensation issues is to purchase the dehumidifier and put it in the room that has the most issue. This will help to absorb the excess moisture, and prevent it from damaging your double glazing and causing other issues in your home.
If double glazing repairs are experiencing issues with condensation forming between your double-glazed units and has been running for a long time then it is likely that the vacuum seal drawn at the factory has failed. This requires a replacement of the thermopane, and it is best to have an expert do it as any attempts to interfere with the window units could invalidate the warranty.
Damage
Double glazing is designed to offer insulation, keeping your home warm and reducing energy costs. However, damage can occur which could compromise the performance of your windows. The most frequent issue is drafts, which can be caused by damaged hinges, handles, or locks, causing you to lose heat. These problems can be easily resolved by replacing the damaged components.
Another issue that is common is condensation between the glass panes. It can be a hassle as it obscures the view and may cause light to be blocked. This can be corrected by replacing the glass affected. Generally, this will be accomplished 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 issue is if your double glazed windows become misted this means that the gap between the window panes has widened. This can be caused by many things such as strong winds or storms however, it could be caused by the seal being damaged or worn out in the window unit.
It is crucial to act quickly if your double-glazed windows are misting. The integrity of the window could be damaged. This could lead to more energy bills and drafts in your home. Make sure that the double glazing is still covered by warranty. The manufacturer could offer an exchange.
A common issue with double-glazed windows is that the windows and doors are difficult to open. This could be caused by various factors, including the weather and can be fixed by wiping down the mechanism or by applying oil.
Double glazing is a great feature for many homes however, it could be damaged and need repair, which can be costly. It is essential to seek out a glazier promptly when you spot any damage to your windows. By taking the proper actions now, you can make sure that your double glazed windows will perform just as they should for many long time to come.
