Can Double Glazed Windows Be Repaired?

If you've recently had double glazing installed in your home and nearby are beginning to show signs of failing, you may be wondering if they are able to be fixed.

You might be able to get your double glazing under warranty, based on the issue and the date you purchased it.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged or cracked air can flow through more easily. This decreases the effectiveness of the window as an insulation barrier and also against the elements. Depending on the time of year, this can cause cold or hot air to escape or enter your home, increasing heating and cooling costs.

If the crack in your double glazing isn't that deep, it might be possible to apply a strong-hold tape. This is a temporary solution however, and may only prevent the crack from getting worse. A reputable window repair service can repair any damaged glass on your double-glazed windows.

Attempting to replace a broken window pane yourself can be difficult and risky. If the crack is large and difficult to remove You can try applying strips of masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern. If the crack is small enough to be able to hold it in place and use a blade to cut it away from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and a face mask when cutting glass. After removing the glass, place it flat onto several layers of newspapers to catch any fragments that might fall.

In order to install a replacement pane you'll need to make the frame ready and purchase replacement glass. Take measurements of the opening of the frame and subtract 1/16 - 1/8 inch in both directions to ensure that the new pane will fit correctly. Then, have the replacement glass cut to this measurement at your local glass shop or at a hardware store. If you have wooden frames, you can purchase points for glaziers from a local hardware store to place them on the outside of your new glass. Be sure to install the points in a manner that allows expansion and contraction while still keeping the putty in a flat position against the glass.

Once your new pane has been placed, spread an even layer of your glazing compound using the help of a putty knife. You can use a linseed oil-based putting such as Sarco or a less expensive product like Dap glazing compound. If you have any gaps between your new pane and the frame you can fill them in with your chosen compound. Smooth the compound around the new pane to ensure it is even and level.

Water Leaks

The appearance of water leaks around the frame or sash is a common issue that happens when the window sealant has degraded and requires replacement. Water leaks can damage the plaster and drywall surrounding the window, and can lead to damp or moldy walls that require to be restored as quickly as is feasible.

A double-glazed window of high quality has a gasket that is firmly compressed when the sash closes. Any water that gets into this area should be drained away via the weep holes at the bottom of the frame. However, sometimes the weep holes get blocked by a build-up of dirt and debris, or the weather stripping around the window could require replacement.

Another source of water leaks is the lintel which is a support for the brick that is over the window. The installers who built the home may not have been aware that the lintel needs to be allowed to drain properly or they could have merely clad it with concrete leaving an opening where rainwater could be able to enter and collect around the window, creating dampness in the wall or rot in the wood. The builders should have angled the fascia boards above the window to ensure that the water is directed properly. This will prevent water from getting into the structure through these gaps.

Another possible source of leaks is the gap that exists between the glass panes in double-glazed units. A damaged seal could have caused argon gas or krypton that is supposed to be between the glass panes to provide insulation to leak out. While this isn't the most serious leaky window problem it can affect energy efficiency and should be addressed as soon as possible. In this case double glazing replacement might be necessary. A professional can conduct an exhaustive assessment and identify the source of the leak. They can also recommend solutions. They will also be able to advise whether it makes sense to fix the window or replace it completely. They can also give you an estimate for any work required.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double-glazed windows and doors. However, it is typically a simple fix. It is caused by the lack of air circulation around the window, and typically occurs in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. The most evident evidence of condensation is the appearance of water droplets forming on the glass surface. These droplets will disappear quickly when the window is heated by sunlight. If the problem persists it's worth looking further.

Another sign of condensation is when you hear water drippy. This is usually caused by a leak in the seal between the two glass panes. If you hear this sound then repair is highly recommended as it will stop cold drafts from entering your home. This type of problem may cause mold in time, so it is best to fix the window as soon as you can.

A professional will inspect your window and suggest the best option. Most professional companies will remove the affected window and nearby pipe hot air into the gap between them, this will eliminate any moisture that remains and ensure that a high-quality seal is applied.

Double condensation in the glazing is caused by windowpane seals. Cool air can enter double-paned windows when the window seal fails and causes them to fog up. If this occurs it's possible that simple fixes could assist, but in many cases, the best solution is to replace the window.

A spacer bar is typically located between the two glass panes that are found in the majority of double-glazed windows. This spacer bar is filled with desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that may occur, thus preventing it from reaching the glass panes and creating condensation. Unfortunately, this spacer bar can sometimes break or crack and in this instance, it is typically required to replace the entire window.

You can do some upvc repairs yourself using the correct tools. However, it's usually better to hire someone who has been trained to do this. This will not only save you a great amount of time, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired properly and of the highest quality. Using a trusted tradesman can also mean that you get some type of guarantee for the work that is completed that you can't get from DIY jobs.

Shattering

Double glazing is a revolutionary product that lets homeowners reduce their heating bills while keeping their homes warm. But it's not impervious to damage and from time to time issues may arise. In some cases the faults could be dangerous if they are not addressed promptly enough.

If you spot any issues with your double-glazing that could put your family members in danger, it's important to fix them as soon as possible. Problems such as misting or water leaks can reduce the performance of windows and make them look ugly.

Repairing double-glazed windows is usually cheaper than replacing them. If you spot any indications of trouble in your double glazing, it's worth researching local companies who specialize in double glazing repair-glazed window repairs and getting quotes. The cheapest quote may not be the best option. Make sure that the company you choose offers the guarantee of their work.

If a double-glazed window is sold it will be placed in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). The Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) is composed of two glass panes with a space in between, and a rubber gasket that keeps water from leaking through the gap. Certain IGUs also contain a gas like argon that helps to keep heat from escaping your home, therefore conserving energy.

If one of the IGUs is damaged it is possible to replace the pane purchased from a window manufacturer and fitted to the frame. This is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and is far more affordable for the majority of households.

It may be possible to repair the damaged window depending on the kind of frame and condition of your window. If the glass has formed just a few tiny chips, but hasn't broken, that's usually the situation. If the double-glazed window is totally broken, it's best to replace both the glass unit as well as the window sash.