Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. However, over time, it can develop issues like misting or condensation.
It can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it is usually due to the seals not being airtight. This results in a loss of the gases that insulate that sit between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing could help.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmower or a stone that has been thrown around even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window pane to break. When this happens it is possible that cold or hot air can travel more easily between the two panes of glass which makes your home less insulated and causing higher energy costs. If both of the windows are shattered then it's time to contact an expert to repair them.
However, if one the panes is broken, but not completely shattered It might be able to be repaired. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Remove the loose putty from the edges that are broken of the glass with a painter’s tool, which you can warm using the help of a heat gun. Put a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to keep them from cracking as the putty is removed.
Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or another light oil. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently shift the glass to fit into the rabbets or grooves that form an l in the window frame where it sits. Then, use the tool's chiseled edge to remove any putty that is left over from the edges of the glass.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins the frame. Apply a second cord of glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth with a putty blade. If your windows are made of steel, paint the joints with an anti-rust primer specifically designed for your type of metal.
Cracks
Although it's not common cracks in double glazing can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and not open them too much when the sun is shining. this prevents excess heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double glazed windows should be simple to open and close without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can aid. local window repair can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure that they are tight enough.
It's important to remember that a window that is cracked is not just ugly but also risky. If you find shards on the floor or a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It is more beneficial to replace the broken glass rather than attempt to repair it.
If you see condensation between the two panes, this is an indication that your seals aren't functioning properly and need to be replaced immediately. A reliable glazier will be able to cut into the seal and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a quick and inexpensive solution. Be aware that this is only a temporary solution and that you'll need to replace your windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. It happens when air moisture is pulled into the gap between the panes and then condenses during the night. This is a natural event and not an indication of any defect in the windows or glass, but it can be a problem for homeowners as it stops the double glazing performing properly as it ought to.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents on the frame to allow air to flow through, eliminating the possibility of condensation forming within your home. This will help keep heat in the house and help reduce energy costs in the long run.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to let out any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company you bought your double glazing from when you begin having issues. This is to allow them to send a technician out to assess the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This is done via email or a letter.
While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it's normally much easier and less costly to hire a professional to perform the work. This is especially the case for issues that require the use of specialist tools. Additionally professionals will usually offer some sort of guarantee for their work which you're not likely to receive when you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they improve energy efficiency, reduce the amount of noise that can be heard inside the home, and protect furniture from ultraviolet light. They can also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, it is easy for air to leak through the gaps between the panes of glass which can cause the draughts.
In double glazed windows, two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which helps to draw moisture from the gap, which prevents internal condensation. The desiccant's capacity to eliminate moisture from spacer bars diminishes the possibility of condensation forming between the glass panes. This is a common issue with double glazing that's been badly made. However it can be easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and putting in a humidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulator by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to your home. The insulating performance is enhanced by using an inert low-conductivity gas such as argon to fill the gap.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows however, they are usually worth it as they can lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and increase the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, be sure to choose an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing technology allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of an IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers many advantages for homeowners. It improves the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and mould building up on window panes. They are not indestructible and, in some cases, problems may be encountered. It's important to keep in mind that you can typically get most double glazing faults repaired rather than replaced which will save you the expense and hassle of having new windows fitted.
Double glazing owners often have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the situation, it is important to speak with a professional in order to schedule an installer of windows to visit and make the necessary repairs.
A window that isn't easy to open or shut can be a source of trouble. This could be due heat or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles or hinges to resolve the issue. It could also be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and needs to be aligned.
Misting is also a problem that can be easily repaired. This happens because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together wear out with time. This is typically caused by the frames moving slightly as they age and the specific packaging material that holds them in place, which then leads to one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass can be used to eliminate moisture. This is a temporary solution and must be repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames will be the best long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, while preventing warm air from getting out.