Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. As time passes, it will create problems such as misting and condensation.
The cause can be due to various reasons, but it is usually due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to loss of the insulating gases that are positioned between the glass panes. Knowing how to repair your double glazing could help.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmower, a hurled stone or even a claw from a cat can cause a double-glazed window pane to shatter. When this happens, heat or cold air is able to travel more easily between the two panes of glass, making your home less well-insulated and increasing your energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if damaged.
If one of the panes has damaged but not completely broken, it could be possible to repair. First take the glass from the frame while wearing gloves and safety glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the broken edges of the glass using the painter's tool, which can be warmed by the aid of a heat gun. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to keep them from cracking after the putty has been removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Score the glass around the perimeter, approximately one 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 remaining putty from the edge of the glass.
After the new pane is installed, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the seam where it meets the glass. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the glass-frame joint and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints using a rust-prevention primer formulated specifically for the type of metal you have.
Cracks
Although it's not common, double glazing cracks can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes which can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds closed during hot weather and not open them too far when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.
To prevent cracks from forming on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, particularly the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles, are secured. A good double glazed window should also be easy to open and close, without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a small amount of oil could help, as can making adjustments to the screws and locks to make sure they're tight enough.
Be aware that a damaged glass window could be dangerous. 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 as it's probably best to replace the broken pane of glass completely rather than fixing it.
If you see condensation between the two panes of glass, this is a sign that your seals aren't functioning properly and should be replaced immediately. A reliable glazier will be able to drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a fast and cost-effective solution. But be aware that this is a temporary fix, and you will need to replace your windows in the near term.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. It occurs when the moisture from the air is pulled into the gap between the panes and then it condenses at night. This is a natural occurrence that does not signal any issues with the glass or windows. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from operating in the way it should.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame, allowing air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. Adding this will also help to keep heat in the home and decrease energy costs in the long run.
Most times, a professional can fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They'll make tiny holes in the window to let out any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company you bought your double glazing from when you begin experiencing issues. This is to allow them to send out a technician to check the situation and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is a good idea to communicate in writing. This can be done via email or letter.
It is possible to fix certain things yourself, but it is usually faster and more efficient to employ an expert. This is particularly true for any problems that require the use of specialist tools. Additionally, a professional will typically provide a guarantee for their work, which you will not necessarily get 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 in the home and protect furniture from damage caused by ultraviolet light. They also help reduce condensation which is a frequent reason for the growth of mould. If they are not properly installed, air can easily escape through the gaps in between the glass panes and cause the air to draught.
In double-glazed windows the space between the two panes is filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar typically contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. The desiccant's capacity to draw moisture away from spacer bars decreases the possibility of condensation forming between the glass panes. This is a common issue with double glazing that's poorly constructed. However, it can be easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and putting in humidifiers.
The space between the two panes of glass 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 such as argon, can enhance the insulation properties more.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to put in however, they're usually worth the investment as they reduce heating and cooling costs, protect furnishings from UV damage and can improve the value of your windows repair home. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows into your home, you should consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system lets you to benefit of an IGU that is high-quality without having to remove your frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits for homeowners. It increases the efficiency of energy and also reduces noise. It also reduces the possibility of draughts and mould building up on your window frames. However, they aren't indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. You can repair most double glazing problems rather than replace them, which will save you money and the hassle of having new windows installed.
One of the most common issues that people who own double glazing experience is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the case it is essential to get in touch with a professional to schedule an installer of windows to visit and make the repairs required.
A window that is difficult to close or open could be a source of trouble. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is stiffening up over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles or hinges in the event that this is the cause. Or, it could be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and needs to be re-aligned.
Misting is another issue which can be easily fixed. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear out over time. This is typically caused by the frames moving little as they age, and the special packaging material that holds them in place. This can result in one or both panes of your double glazing moving and breaking the all-important seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling holes in the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This is a temporary fix and will need to be repeated. A better long-term fix is to install trickle vents inside your frames. This will allow fresh air to flow in but will not let warm air escape.