Double Glazed Window Repairs
If your double-glazed windows mist up, it could be a sign that the seals are not working properly. This will impact the thermal performance of your house and should be fixed as soon as you can.
You can lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism to see if it helps. It is recommended to have an expert fix it to ensure it's done correctly.
Broken Panes
Cracks and chips on your window pane can be frustrating, but aren't necessarily permanent. You can repair a broken pane by using some basic tools that are likely to be at home.
If your break is large or your window is older frame, it might be best to leave the work to a professional. If your window is double-paned it might be difficult to find a new one that is the exact size.
The first step to replace windows is to remove the old one from the sash. Wear safety goggles and tape the sash in a cross-hatch design using duct tape. This will prevent glass shards from falling off while you work. Tap the sash using a soft-tipped paint scraper or hammer to loosen the glazing and putty points. If your window has wooden mouldings holding the pane in position and you want to remove them, you can gently pry the moldings off with a flat prybar if it is framed in wood.
Once the old window is gone, clean and prepare the area to be used for a new one. Wipe away any remaining bits of sash and putty, and then use a wire brush to smooth the grooved channel into which the window fits. Heat the old putty with a heatgun to make it easier to remove.
Take measurements of the length and width of the sash opening and subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement. This will ensure that the replacement pane is slightly larger than the opening so that it can expand or contract in response to temperature changes. Roll a rope of glazier's compound putty around the edges of the new pane and press it with a firm force into the grooved channels within the frame. Set a glazier point at each corner of the pane, and about 6 inches apart across the frame.
If a double or triple-paned window is damaged it can allow hot or cold air to escape your home, which can cause the HVAC system to struggle to maintain an ideal indoor temperature. The gas filled windows also help to improve efficiency in energy use, so if they're compromised your home won't be as well insulate.
Draughts
Double glazing is designed to be durable, secure and hard-wearing however, it is still able to develop issues as the result of wear and tear. Draughts are a frequent issue that can be both irritating and costly. Draughts occur when there is an opening between the window frame and the wall or the window sash and frame. This gap allows cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, leading to higher energy bills.
There are many ways to fix windows that are drafty. One method is using mortite caulk, also known as temporary caulking. These products can be purchased in tubes or rolls and are applied to the gaps. Then, they can be painted to match the existing window. This makes them nearly invisible. Another option is to purchase a draught-proofing kit, which typically comes with a plastic sheeting which you stick to the window with tape, and then heat using a hairdryer, sealing the gaps to keep cold air out.
You can also stop the draughts by installing a new window lock or by enhancing the hinges of your uPVC Windows. To determine if the window hinges are damaged test sliding a small piece of card between the frame and sash. If you can move the card with ease, then this is an indication that your hinges on your window have to be replaced.
If you have a casement or tilt-and-turn window, you can purchase foam, plastic or metal draught proofing strips to fit around the frame's interior to close the gap. Some of these have a self-adhesive backing while others require to be secured with pins. Brush strips are available for sash windows that can fit into the gap and block out drafts. These strips are similar to those used on front doors.
It is recommended that you get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you notice any problems. If left unattended they may cause further damage and lower the effectiveness. You can find an expert in your area to perform repairs to double-glazed windows using the search function of this site. Our traders have all been checked and vetted so you can be assured that you will receive a top-quality service.
Smudging
Installing double-glazed windows in your office or home will help keep the cold air out during winter and the hot air out in summer. They also provide a great soundproof barrier, helping to block out the sound of the outside world. But, like all other products, they can be damaged over time and require a little maintenance from time to time. The good part is that a double glazed window can usually be repaired instead of replacing it.
Repairing the sash cords which hold the weights for opening and closing your double-glazed window is among the most frequent repairs. Repairing damaged sash cables will vary depending on your window's size and complexity. You can expect to spend an average of $200 on this repair.
Fogging is often caused by moisture trapped between the window panes. A technician will have to drill a small hole in the glass, then use a chemical solution to get rid of the water. This process costs around $150, but it can be more than doubled in the event that the frame is rotting.
Defogging double-glazed windows from the inside is another method to fix them. This is less expensive than replacing the IGUs, but it won't return the R-value of windows to their original level.
Smudging is a practice in many cultures to cleanse places of negative energy and encourage positive energy. Using a smudge stick with sage or other herbs can help to eliminate germs, pollen and mold spores. This can help increase the severity of asthma and allergies for those who are affected by them. It can also be used to clear objects, such as antiques or furniture pieces, of any remaining scents or energy that may have been brought into the area by previous owners. You should smudge the home every four years and at any time negative energies appear to be lurking around.
Replacement
Over time, double glazed windows (or sealed units as they are known) may fail and fail, particularly the airtight seal that keeps the inert Argon gas inside and stops condensation between the glass panes. In this instance it could be necessary for the unit to be replaced. It is, however, not as difficult as it may first appear and a competent DIYer equipped with the right tools will be able to complete a top-quality installation in a short space of time.
The first step is to remove any molding that is around the window frame and pry away any glazing points holding the existing unit glazing repair near me in place by using a putty knife or utility knife. Once the glazing points have been removed, the installer will be able to cut and slice the sealant which is held in the unit. This is usually done using a bladed tool like a jigsaw, or knife. Once the old IGU has been removed the new glass can be inserted and the gap closed using silicone sealant.
After the silicone is applied, a small amount paint can be used on any exposed silicone to make the replacement windows appear like new. The handles that have been fitted are now reattached to the frame, and a final check carried out to ensure that everything is in order before the FENSA registered installer leaves your property.
In addition to repairing double glazed windows, our glaziers also install replacement windows for those that want to upgrade their existing property with the latest energy saving advances such as argon gas filled glass and thermal spacer bars. These upgrades can cut down on the cost of heating and help keep your home at a perfect temperature all year round.
So, if your double-glazed windows are showing signs of wear and tear, it's worth contacting us to arrange for a repair or replacement as quickly as you can. This will not only improve the look of your home but also boost the value if you decide to sell it.