Crack in a double-glazed window: what to do?

A double—glazed window is a structure whose heat and sound insulation characteristics are largely determined by its tightness. That is why the appearance of a crack in a double-glazed window significantly worsens all its characteristics.

In the article we will look at the causes of cracks, as well as ways to deal with them. Separately, we will pay attention to the actions that need to be taken when a crack is detected on a metal-plastic window.

Why do double-glazed windows crack

In the manufacture of modern plastic windows, durable glass is used — but its strength is limited. With mechanical impact (most often it is a blow that falls at one point), the glass either breaks or cracks.

Pay attention! To reduce the likelihood of mechanical damage, the double—glazed window is equipped with thicker glass - instead of standard glass with a thickness of 4 mm, 6 or 8 mm glass is installed. Also more durable are tempered glass, laminated glass and triplex.

Other causes of cracks:

1. Manufacturing defects. The use of cheap glass (albeit with lower quality) is one of the ways to reduce the cost of the window, which is used by unscrupulous manufacturers. Low-quality glass is more susceptible to damage as a result of mechanical or thermal influences.
2. Temperature difference (thermal shock). If part of the double—glazed window is in the sun, and part is in the shade, then a crack may appear on the border due to the large temperature difference.
3. Deformation of the window. If the frame or sash deforms under the influence of temperature changes or operational loads, the double—glazed window may burst. The problem is aggravated by a violation of the window production technology or the installation of the structure: misalignments, incorrect installation of remote gaskets, incomplete tightening of fixing screws, etc.

To change or repair the double-glazed window

Alas, the repair of a double-glazed window on which a crack has appeared is impossible. The main reason is a breach of tightness. Even if the crack is sealed, moist air will still penetrate into the double-glazed window chamber. Also, the double-glazed window will lose most of the inert gas pumped into the chamber.

Pay attention! The crack is usually sealed with transparent adhesive tape. This is a temporary measure that reduces heat loss.

Replacing the double—glazed window is the only correct solution to the problem. In this case, it all depends on the reason for the crack:

If the manufacturer recognizes the case as a warranty case (the reason is a manufacturing defect or incorrect installation of the window), then the replacement of the double—glazed window will be carried out at the expense of the manufacturer. The warranty conditions are prescribed in the contract, therefore it is very important to order windows from trusted companies — they take care of their reputation and comply with warranty obligations.

If the case is recognized as non-guaranteed, then you will change the double-glazed window at your own expense. At the same time, you can choose a double-glazed window with the best energy-saving indicators.

Pay attention! When replacing, take into account the thickness of the double-glazed window. If it does not increase, the beads can be used the same. If you plan to install a thicker double—glazed window, you will have to order a set of beads. A window repairman can tell you if the beads need to be replaced.

The process of replacing a damaged double-glazed window takes about 30 minutes. Main stages:

1. Dismantling of the beads.
2. Removing the old double-glazed window.
3. Installation and alignment of a new double-glazed window.
4. Fixing the double-glazed window with beads.

If the replacement of the double—glazed window was carried out in the sash, then it is necessary to additionally adjust the fittings. Due to the displacement of the center of gravity of the structure, the settings of the fittings may change.

Replacing one glass

The idea to save money and replace not the entire double-glazed window, but only the damaged glass, arises from many customers. Unfortunately, it is unrealizable for a number of reasons:

• It will not be possible to change the glass at the facility: the double-glazed window is dismantled, taken to the factory, disassembled and only then a new glass is installed. The window opening needs to be covered with something during the whole time (especially in winter).
• When replacing one glass, it will not be possible to control the polymerization of the sealant — it takes from 3 days. The result is a low tightness of the structure.
• The cost of replacing one glass will be higher than in the manufacture of a new double-glazed window. The reason is simple: the production of double—glazed windows is a well-established process, and replacement requires the use of a large amount of manual operations.

As a result, it will be impractical to change one glass — neither from a practical nor from an economic point of view.

How to protect a double-glazed window

We have already written about one method of protection — to use double-glazed windows with thicker glass or triplex. In addition, you need to:

• To control the uneven overheating of double-glazed windows in the bright sun (primarily darker, tinted in bulk or film).
• Order plastic windows only from companies with a proven reputation and established quality control.
• Do not install the windows yourself, but entrust the installation to qualified teams. Experienced craftsmen know what can cause cracks — and try to avoid such situations.

And the last. As soon as you find a crack, immediately take the contract and call the phone number indicated in it. Today, companies take care of their reputation, because controversial situations are almost always resolved in favor of the client. But in any case, it is necessary for an experienced master to inspect the window — it is he who decides on the cause of the crack, as well as whether the double-glazed window will be replaced under warranty.

You can order a high-quality professional installation of metal-plastic windows by following the link