Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. Over time, it can cause problems such as misting or condensation.
This can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This causes loss of the insulating gases that are positioned between the glass panes. It is beneficial to know how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmowers or a stone thrown at it even a claw of a cat could cause a double-glazed glass pane to shatter. This allows cold or heat to pass more easily between the two panes of the glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher energy costs. If both of the windows have cracked then it's time to contact an expert to replace the windows.
If one of the panes is damaged but is not completely broken it is still possible to repair. First, remove the old glass from the frame wearing safety glasses and gloves. Then using a painter's instrument and gradually warming it up with a heat gun, remove the loose putty around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to keep them from cracking when the putty is removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane, use a glass-cutting tool that is cheap to lubricate (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut the glass along the perimeter, approximately 1 inch from the edge. Then, place the glass inside the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Then make use of the tool's chiseled edge to scrape any excess putty from the edges of the glass.
Once the new pane is installed, press the glazier's points into your frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compound to the frame-glass joint, and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal then you can paint the joints using a primer specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Even though it is rare double glazing cracks can occur suddenly, particularly in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut during hot weather, and avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from building up between the two panes of glass.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows make sure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles, are secured. Double-glazed windows must be simple to shut and open and should not sag or stick. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a small amount of oil could help, as can making adjustments to the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a damaged window isn't just ugly, but can be very risky. If you notice shards of glass on the floor or a crack in the double glazing, it is best to call an emergency glazing expert. It's better to replace the broken glass rather than attempt to repair it.
If you see condensation between the two panes of glass, this is an indication that the seals aren't functioning correctly and must be replaced immediately. A reputable glazier will be able to drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a simple and inexpensive solution. Be aware that this is only temporary solution and you'll need to replace your windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double glazing. Condensation happens when moisture in the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then evaporates at night. This is a natural occurrence that does not signal any issues with the windows or glass. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from working effectively as it should.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame window repairman to allow air to flow through, removing any condensation that may build up within your home. Adding this will also help to keep heat in the house and help reduce energy bills in the long run.
A professional can often fix the problem without replacing the entire window. They'll drill a tiny hole into the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from when you begin having issues. This is to allow them to send a technician out to investigate the issue and address any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to keep all communications in writing, like an email or letter, as this will make it easier for you to challenge any claims that you may have in the future.
While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it is generally easier and less costly to hire a professional to complete the task. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist equipment. Additionally professionals will usually offer some sort of guarantee for their work that you won't necessarily receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, cut down on the amount of noise that can be heard inside the home, and protect furniture from damage caused by UV light. They can also reduce condensation which is a typical cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps between the glass panes, leading to draughts.
In double-glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bar usually contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. As the desiccant's ability to draw moisture away from spacer bars diminishes the possibility of condensation forming between the glass panes. This is a typical issue when double glazing is poorly made but it is easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and then putting in a dehumidifier.
The space between the two panes of glass in a double-glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the flow of cold air from outside to inside your home. The insulation performance can be enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas like argon to fill the gap.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the investment since they lower cooling and heating bills, help to protect furnishings from UV damage and can improve the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows into your home, work with an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing technology allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of a quality IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and mould forming on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and issues can occur. It's worth remembering that you can usually get most double glazing faults repaired rather than replaced, saving you the cost and hassle of having new windows fitted.
One of the most common problems that homeowners with double glazing experience is having to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the case, it is important to contact a professional to arrange for an installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue occurs when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due to heat or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles or hinges in the event that this is the cause. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and requires to be adjusted.
The misting could also be fixed easily. This is because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together become weaker over time. This is typically caused by the frames moving little as they age, and settling the particular packaging material that holds them in place, which can result in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling into the affected glass and then removing the moisture inside. This will only be an interim solution and will likely require repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames is an ideal long-term solution. They let fresh air to enter the room, but they also block warm air from getting out.