Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing refers to the panes of glass in a window frame or wall opening. Romford double glazing repair glazing can be damaged and require repairs.
If you've noticed condensation between your windows, a visible draft, or if hinges and handles become difficult to open, it is a sign that your double glazing is in need of repair. The repair typically involves an entire reseal of the unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air space between them filled with inert gases like argon and krypton. This keeps the heat inside your home while preventing cold drafts and moisture from entering. Occasionally the windows can become damaged and when this happens, the entire window might require replacement. If you spot a crack or chip in the window, it is essential to contact the company who supplied you with the double glazing immediately to inform them of the issue and inquire about repairs.
It is possible to repair damaged glass with a few simple steps, however it is not recommended unless you are experienced in DIY. First of all, you will need to put on some gloves and remove the damaged 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 worsening over time, particularly in the winter. It is also recommended to protect your work area with newspapers to prevent any broken pieces from falling. After the broken pane has been removed, scrape away any existing glazing putty or glazed window seal using the help of a knife. Remove the glazing points with 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 an instrument. Subtract 1/8" from both measurements to account for the slight movement of the replacement pane. Then, you can roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the channels that have grooves and slide the replacement glass into place. Tap the glass gently with the hammer every 6" or 8" to help it set in place. Be careful not to break it.
If you have a double glazing warranty, it's often worth attempting to utilize this to avoid the expense of a full replacement window. In general the warranty will cover the cost of the components and labour. You should verify the terms as they can differ from one company to the next.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is often the result of condensation in between the panes your double glazing. This can be caused by many factors, such as temperature fluctuations, when the frames aren't set correctly, and even ageing of the seals themselves.
The good thing is that in the majority of instances, this can be repaired easily by a professional double glazing installer. It is essential to contact the company that installed your windows when you discover an issue, and make sure to document the issue in writing. It will be easier to reach the company should you have to do so later. It is also beneficial when your warranty or guarantee covers the problem.
It is possible to resolve the problem by replacing the seals on the gaskets. This won't necessitate replacing your entire window unit. It will make your home efficient in terms of energy use. To accomplish this the window glazier must remove any retaining clips or strips that are holding the IGU in place, and then cut through the sealant with the aid of a saw.
They'll then design or order a new IGU that will fit in the frame, and they'll apply special sealants to ensure that it's air and watertight. Once they're finished installing the retaining clips or strips and apply more sealant to ensure that it's secure.
If you are lucky the misting will cease. It's essential that your frames are ventilated properly to prevent moisture from accumulating 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 This could be due to extreme weather conditions, or it could be that the frame has sunk or sagged over time, and isn't in line with the rest of your house. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames with cold water to bring the frames a bit, however, it's unlikely that this will solve the problem completely. If you're unable to resolve the problem, you may need to hire a professional to replace them.
Condensation
Condensation occurs 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 as humidity levels tend to be higher. However, it can also happen at other times. Moisture can cause mildew and mould to form around window frames, sealants and sills. This is not only ugly, but extremely harmful to your health. A window professional can often seal condensation to decrease humidity and prevent the accumulation of moisture in your home.
Window sealing, or window gaskets are a crucial component of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets seal the insulated space between your window glass to prevent drafts, moisture, and heat from entering or leaving your home. These gaskets can perish or shrink in time due to weather, temperature conditions, and aging, which means that you might notice condensation appearing on your double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to repair it however, it will require replacement of the "sandwich" (thermo-pane and glass) in your double glazing window. Unless you have the right tools to do the job it is recommended you hire a professional to re-seal your double-glazed windows.
Another frequent issue is mist between double-glazed windows. This can be an issue that is difficult to fix. This is a sign that the vacuum seal in the factory has failed, and there is no way to get air in or out of the sandwich.
A professional will reseal the window using the same process as they would for fog or condensation issues. This usually involves removing a sandwich and then spraying the cleaning solution on it, followed by sucking out the sealing agent. It is important that you precisely measure the sandwich's length, width and thickness so that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.
This can be a challenging job that requires special tools that aren't typically found in DIY stores. It's best to leave it to professionals because faulty seals can result in damp and mold within your home, which can be both expensive and harmful to your health.
Water Leaks
It is crucial to act when you begin to notice water leaks from your double-glazed windows. The smallest leak can turn into a big problem if not addressed quickly.
The window frame can be the culprit. Verify that the sill, the flat bottom of the window frame, is pitched so that water drains away from your house and not into the frame. If you find that the sill pan has not been set correctly or you see water in the wood, you should contact a double-glazing repair company.
Another common cause of water leaks is damaged window seals. This could be due to the age of the seal damage, weather, or any other. This is not an easy fix and should be left to professionals.
This could lead to an increase in energy efficiency. This also allows cold air to enter your home during the winter and hot air to escape in summer. This can lead you to high heating and cooling costs.
The most simple solution is to apply a new layer of caulking. While those who have DIY skills can do this themselves, it is usually easier to have a double-glazing specialist handle the task. You will be able to rest assured and have a guarantee that the job has been done correctly.
Double-glazing windows are available with warranties that last up to 20 years. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer you bought windows from to determine what they offer and how long. This can save you the expense of having to replace your double glazed windows at a later date. If you have an insurance policy on your double-glazed windows it is important that you report any issues as quickly as you can. This can be done via the internet or by contact with the company directly. Having all of this information in writing will also be helpful if you ever require the use of your warranty.