11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Make With Your Double Glazing Windows Repairs

Double Glazing Windows Repairs

Double glazing consists of two panes within a frame or opening in the wall. Sometimes,  window repairs Leatherhead  glazing gets damaged and may require repairs.

If you've noticed condensation in between the windows or noticed a distinct draught or if the handles and hinges are becoming difficult to open or close, these are all indications that your double glazing requires to be fixed. The repair typically involves an entire reseal of the unit.

Broken Panes

Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes that have an air gap in between which is filled with inert gases such as argon or krypton. This helps to keep the heat inside your home while preventing cold drafts and moisture from escaping. Occasionally the windows can become damaged, and if this happens the entire window could require replacement. It is crucial to contact the company who supplied you with double glazing immediately when you notice a chip or crack in the window.

It is possible to fix the glass pane that has broken by following a few easy steps, however it is not recommended unless you have experience in DIY. Wear gloves and then carefully remove the damaged window pane. If the pane is cracked, apply masking tape in a crisscrossing design to the areas that are cracked. This will stop the cracks from becoming worse over time, especially during the winter. It is also advisable to cover your work surface in newspapers to prevent any broken pieces from falling. After the broken pane has been removed using a putty knife, you can use it to scrape away any glazing putty and the glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points using pliers. Finally, coat the bare wood with a fast-drying primer.

If you can purchase a new replacement pane take measurements of the length and width of the grooved channel using a tape measure. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to account for the slight movement of the replacement pane. Next, roll a narrow rope of glazing compound into the channels that have grooves and then slide the glass into the grooves. Tap lightly with a drum at 6'' or intervals of 8'' to aid in setting the glass in place but be careful not to break the glass.

If you have a double-glazing warranty, it's often worth attempting to utilize this in order to avoid the cost of a replacement window. The warranty typically covers the cost of any parts that you might require replacement, as well as labour. You should check the details as they will vary from one company to the next.

Foggy Glass

Condensation between the panes in your double glazing can cause foggy glass. It could be due to a number of things, such as variations in temperature, poorly installed frames, or the ageing seals.

In most cases, double glazing contractors are able to repair this issue quickly and easily. You should contact the company who installed your windows as soon as you notice any problems. Follow up with a written response. It will be easier to reach the company should you have to do so later. This is especially helpful if your warranty or guarantee covers the problem.

The most effective way to stop the fogging is to replace the gasket seals - this is done without the need to replace the entire window unit, and will help keep your home energy efficient. The window glazier will remove any clips or retaining strips that hold the IGU and then make use of a saw to cut away the sealant that was previously used.

They'll then construct or purchase an IGU to fit the frame, and they'll use special sealants to ensure it's air-tight and watertight. Once they're finished, they'll reinstall the clips or strips that hold it and seal it with more to ensure it's secure.

If you're lucky, the misting could end after this. It's still important to make sure your frames are ventilated properly so that moisture doesn't build up in your ceilings and walls.

Another frequent issue faced by owners of double glazing is that their windows or doors become difficult to open and close This could be due to extreme weather, or it could mean that the frame has sunk or sagged over time, and isn't at a level with the rest of your home. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames with cold water in order to shrink them down slightly - but it's unlikely that this will resolve the issue completely. If you're unable to resolve the issue, you may require the help of a professional to replace them.

Condensation

Condensation happens when the insulating gas in double glazing windows fails to stay in place, allowing moisture and air between the panes. This is more prevalent in winter when humidity levels tend to be higher. However, it can also happen at other times. Moisture build up can lead to mildew and mould around sills sealants, window frames and even window sills which are not only ugly but also dangerous to your health. A window specialist can often seal condensation to decrease moisture and prevent moisture from building up within your home.

Window gaskets are an essential part of any double-glazed window or door. They help seal in the insulated air between your window glass and prevent drafts, heat and moisture from entering or leaving your home. These gaskets could shrink or disappear over time due to changes in temperature as well as weather conditions and ageing. You may see condensation on your double-glazed windows or doors.

This can be fixed, but will require replacing the "sandwich" (thermo-pane and glass) inside your double-glazing window. It is recommended that, unless you have the right tools, you employ an expert to seal your double-glazed windows.

Another frequent issue is mist between double-glazed windows. This is difficult to resolve. This is an indication that the vacuum seal in the factory has failed and there is no way to get air out or in the 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 sandwich and then spraying the cleaning solution on it, and then sucking out the sealing agent. It is crucial to measure the sandwich in terms of length, width and thickening. This will ensure that the replacement is perfectly sized and that a new seal can be drawn.

This is a difficult job and requires specialised tools that aren't typically found in DIY stores. It's normally best left to professionals because faulty seals can cause mold and dampness within your home, which can be expensive and harmful to your health.

Water Leaks

If you notice that water is leaking around your double glazing windows it's important to act fast. The smallest leak can become a huge issue in the event that it is not addressed promptly.

The window frame could be the cause. Make sure that the sill pan (the part that is flat at the bottom of the frame) is pitched to drain water away from your home and not into the window frame itself. If the sill isn't properly pitched or you notice moisture in the wood, you should contact a double glazing repair company to get professional assistance.

A damaged window seal is another frequent cause of leaks. This is usually caused by age, damage or weather. This is not an easy fix and should be left to professionals.

A broken window seal can let air through the windows, which makes it less energy efficient. This allows cold air to enter your home during winter and hot gas to escape in summer. This can lead you to high heating and cooling costs.

The most straightforward method to fix this is to apply a fresh layer of caulking. Although people with DIY skills can do this themselves however, it is more efficient to let a double glazing specialist take care of the task. This way, you'll get assurance and peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly.

Some double-glazing windows come with warranties up to 20 years. It is best to contact the company who sold you windows to determine what warranties they offer and how long it lasts. This will save you the expense of having to replace your double glazed windows at a later date. If your double-glazed windows are covered by a warranty it is essential to report the problem with them when you discover any issues. You can do this online or by contact them directly. This information will be useful in the event that you have to utilize the warranty.