15 Terms That Everyone Within The Repair Double Glazing Industry Should Know
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
If your double-glazed window is draughty or difficult to open, or has dropped or sagged, it could require repair. Hinges mechanisms, handles, and seals can all be replaced or repaired by a professional tradesman.
You can complete some repairs on your own but it will take longer than hiring a professional complete the task. It is also more secure.
1. Broken Panes
Double pane windows use the space between the two panes to form an airtight seal. This allows the heat in and keep the cold out. However, this seal could be compromised by a physical force or exposure to extreme temperatures. This is why it's so crucial to repair cracks in double pane windows when they begin to begin to appear. A small crack could become worse over time, and eventually cause a window to break.
If you've broken a pane, it's recommended to get in touch with a professional. They'll be able to locate a replacement that will fit your frame. After that, they'll install the new pane and ensure it's secure. Before installing a new window, it is important to take off any old putty or metal glazing points.
Wearing eye protection and gloves is recommended for this job. Utilize a pull-type paint scraper or an old chisel for prying out the old putty. To prevent the putty from cracking it is possible to hold a heat gun over it to slowly soften it. Once all the putty has been removed, you'll need clean and sand the areas where the new glass will go. Then, you can apply silicone caulk for durability.
It is best to purchase a new pane of window glass from your local home improvement or hardware store. Take measurements of the width and height to determine what size window you will need for your home. Subtract 1/8 inch on both sides to get exact measurements for the replacement. If you don't, you could end with windows that don't fit correctly and leave your home exposed to the elements.
2. Condensation
Many double glazing owners encounter condensation at some point in the lifespan of their windows. It is usually caused by an absence of air circulation in rooms or humidity issues, which causes windows that are cold to draw moisture from warm air. This is especially a problem in bathrooms, as excessive steam will flow through the window, and then evaporate to form condensation on the glass surface.
This moisture could cause heat loss from your home, which can increase your energy costs. If emergency glazier remains untreated, it can result in damp and mould in your home.
The most effective way to prevent condensation is to open your windows each morning (unless it's extremely cold!) and make sure you have the trickle vents in place when you go out. Also, you can use dehumidifiers in your home to absorb excess water and to prevent it from forming on surfaces such as your double glazing.
In more severe situations, you may have to replace your double glazed windows completely when the seal between the two panes has broken. This is expensive repair, but, it will help to keep your home or building warmer and more efficient. If you've recently had your double-glazed windows put in, check to see if they are still covered by warranty, since this means that the windows will be replaced at no cost by the installers. Avoid DIY fixes for condensation, because this could void the warranty.
3. Leaks
Water droplets or mist between the panes of your double glazing is an indicator that something is wrong with the seals of your window. However, this doesn't suggest that you require a new window since it is often repaired by simply replacing the caulking around the frame.
The frames of double-glazed windows and doors expand and contract in response to temperature variations. This can result in gaps in the frame, which could eventually let water into the home.
Another reason is that over time, the gas that insulates the window may be dislodged, and this could create a draft and allow moisture to enter the home. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming difficult to close or open by wiping them with cold water can temporarily solve the issue until warm weather is back.
In most cases, double glazed doors and windows come with a guarantee from the company that installed them. If you have any problems with double glazing covered by this guarantee, contact them as soon as you can. Ideally, this should be done via telephone or in person, and then followed up with a letter stating the problem and the date you first noticed them. This will help avoid confusion in the future, if there is a dispute regarding what was or wasn't covered under your warranty. It will also ensure that your complaint is taken seriously by the business that performed the work. If you're unable get a satisfactory response from the business you bought the double glazing from, then it may be worth seeking the services of an alternative tradesman that is approved by Checkatrade and is rated by their clients.
4. Hardware Damaged
A double glazed window comprises two glass panes, separated by spacer bars, with an opening filled with gas for insulation. It is mounted in a frame made of uPVC or aluminium. Over time the hardware will be loose, and a window or door that won't open is a nuisance.
The cost of replacing a double-glazed window could be high. Window repair companies charge between $50 and $82 per hour to take out the window that was broken and replace it with a brand new one. The price is based on the size of the window, its thickness, and shape of the window as well as quality and design of its frame and sash. The price will also be impacted by whether the window is double or single hung or sliding. Windows that are higher up or require roof access will cost more to repair as repair technicians require additional tools and safety measures.
When a double glazing window is repaired the installer will clean the surface of the new pane before sealing it. They will then apply a layer of silicone around the edges to ensure that the seal is water tight. This is particularly important for windows that are located on the ground of a structure, as condensation can form in the frame's bottom.
Another method to ensure your windows look nice is to paint them regularly using a high-quality paint. This will keep them looking new and shiny for a longer period of time and shield them from UV rays. Double-glazed windows can also make your home more quiet and will boost its value on the market by making it more efficient in energy use and comfortable for buyers to live in.
5. Glass that is damaged
A double glazed window is intended to provide insulation for your home, keeping cold air out and warm air in. This decreases the amount of sunlight that enters a space and helps protect your furnishings from sun damage. But sometimes, glass can get broken. Maybe a pebble ricochets off a lawnmower or strimmer and breaks the pane. Or maybe a kid throws a ball against it, or an accident occurs. Whatever the reason, a broken window could cause a lot of inconvenience.
A cracked or damaged pane can be repaired with epoxy or another similar product. It is important to clean the area thoroughly and remove any old putty that is surrounding it prior to applying the new epoxy. You can do this using a cotton rag soaked in linseed oil or you can use a heat gun to soften and loosen the putty. Then, scrape off the glass pieces that have splintered and chisel around the edges to eliminate the old putty.
Apply the epoxy to the crack and spread it over the entire surface. Press it firmly, working it into the crack. Let the epoxy completely dry before putting in the new pane. Be sure that the replacement pane is identical in size to the original. If you are replacing a leaded glass panel, gently bend the H-shaped lead back over it.
If you do not feel at ease with DIY window repairs or your windows are damaged beyond repair, it's best to hire a professional. It is, in fact, easy to find a skilled and dependable tradesperson through the online service Checkatrade. Simply type in your postcode and the details of the job and you'll be connected with local experts within a matter of seconds.