Repairing Double Glazed Windows Tips That Will Change Your Life
Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be a great investment in your home. As time passes, it will develop problems like misting and condensation.
This could be due to a number of causes, but usually down to the seals no longer being air-tight, causing an increase in the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. It can be helpful to understand how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double-glazed window to break. When this happens it is possible that cold or hot air can move more easily between the two panes glass, making your home less insulated and increasing your energy bills. If both of the windows have cracked then it's time to contact a professional to replace them.
If one of the panes is cracked but not completely shattered it could be be repairable. First, remove the old glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the putty that is loose from the cracked edges of the glass with a painter’s tool, which you can warm using a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to protect adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready to accept a replacement pane lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or another light oil. Score the glass around the perimeter, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass in the rabbets (the l-shaped grooves) in the window frame. Then utilize the tool's chiseled tip to remove any putty that is left over from the edges of the glass.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Apply another cord of glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth using a putty knife. If your windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints using a primer that is specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although rare however, a sudden crack in your double glazing could occur - particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is important to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to not open the blinds too often when the sun shines. This will prevent excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from forming on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are well secured. window repair glazed window should also be easy to open and close with no sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a small amount of oil could assist, as could making adjustments to the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a window that is cracked is not just ugly, but can be very risky. If you have cracks in your double glazing and can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier right away since it's better to replace the damaged glass entirely rather than fixing it.
Likewise, any condensation in between the two panes of glass suggests that there's an issue with your seals, and must be addressed immediately. A reputable glazier will be able to drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as 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 have to replace the windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. It occurs when air moisture is pulled into the gap between the panes and condenses during the night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not indicate any issues with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from working as efficiently as it should.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame and allow air to flow through, removing any condensation that may build up in your home. This will also help keep the heat in your home and lower the cost of energy over time.
A professional will usually be able to resolve the issue 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 that you purchased your double glazing from when you begin having issues. It is essential to contact the company you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to assess the situation and resolve any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or letter, because this makes it easier to dispute any claims in the future.
While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it's normally much easier and less costly hiring a professional do this. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist tools. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you may not receive if you try to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they improve efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels within the home, and shield furniture from UV rays. They can also help to reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes and cause the draughts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing interior condensation. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's possible for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently with poorly-made double glazing however it can be easily repaired by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and after that, putting in the dehumidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double glazed window acts as an insulator by limiting the flow of cold air from outside to inside your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas, like argon, could increase the insulation properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed ones however, they are usually worth the cost as they reduce your heating and cooling costs, shield your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your home. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows into your home, work with an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a quality IGU without having to remove the frames and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has numerous benefits for homeowners. It increases the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It can also help to reduce the risk of draughts and mould forming on windows. They are not indestructible and occasionally, issues can occur. Repairing the majority of double glazing issues rather than replace them, saving you money and the hassle of installing new windows.
Double glazing owners typically have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the situation it is crucial to contact a professional to arrange for an installer of windows to visit and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is stiffening up over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating hinges or handles to resolve the issue. It could also be the case that the frame is sagging or has dropped and requires realignment.
Misting is also something that can be fixed easily. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear down over time. The frames tend to move slightly over time and the packaging material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling into the glass affected and then removing the moisture inside. This is only a temporary solution and will need to be repeated. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents in your frames. This will allow fresh air to flow in but won't let any of the warm air escape.