Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be a great investment in your home. However, with time, it could develop issues like misting or condensation.
This could be due to a number of causes, but usually due to the seals not longer being air-tight, causing loss of the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing will aid.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmowers or a stone that has been thrown around even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed glass pane to shatter. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between two panes of glass, which can result in lower insulation and increasing energy bills. If both of the windows have cracked then it's time to contact a professional to replace the windows.
If one of the panes has cracked but not completely shattered it is still possible to repair. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and work glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the edges that are broken of the glass with a painter's tool that you can warm with the aid of a heat gun. Place a piece of aluminum foil on the panes that are next to it to stop them from fracturing as the putty is removed.
When the frame is ready to accept a replacement pane use a glass-cutting tool that is cheap to lubricate (available in many hardware stores) with WD-40 or another light oil. Cut the glass around the perimeter, about one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass inside the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edge of the tool to get rid of any excess putty around the edges.
Press glazier's tips into the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the glass-frame joint and smooth it out using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal then you can paint the joints with an adhesive designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. The reason for this is usually due to the difference in pressure between the two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to avoid opening them up too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring 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 simple to open and close with no sagging or sticking. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms could aid. You can also adjust the screws and locks so that they are tight enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a window that is cracked is not just unsightly and can also be risky. If you notice shards of glass on the floor or a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It's better to replace the broken glass than try and repair it.
Also, any condensation that occurs between the two panes of glass indicates that there is an issue with your seals, and should be fixed immediately. A reliable glazier can drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agent, usually a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a quick and cost-effective solution. Be aware that this is only temporary solution and you'll have to replace the windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation can be a issue with older double glazing. It happens when the moisture from the air is pulled into the gap between the panes and it condenses at night. This is a normal occurrence that does not signal any issues with the glass or windows. However, it can be frustrating for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from operating effectively as it should.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame, allowing air to flow through, removing any condensation that may build up within 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 solve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to expel any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.
Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as any issues occur. It is crucial to contact the company you bought your double glazing from the moment you notice issues. This will allow them to send a technician to examine the situation and resolve any issues before they get worse. It is recommended that all communications be written. This can be done via email or letter.
While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it is generally easier and less costly to engage a professional to perform the work. This is especially applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. In addition an expert will usually offer some sort of guarantee for their work, which you won't necessarily receive when you attempt to repair the double glazing on your own.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that is heard inside the home and protect furniture from damage caused by UV light. They can also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, it is easy for air to escape through the gaps between the panes of glass, causing the draughts.
In double-glazed windows the space between two panes of glass is filled door repair with an insulating gas. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, which prevents the formation of condensation inside. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's badly made. However, it is easily resolved by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and inserting an humidifier.
The space between the two panes in a double-glazed window serves as an insulation, preventing cold air from getting into your home. The insulation performance can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas like argon to fill in the gaps.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows, but are often worth the cost as they lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and also increase the value of the property. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows into your home, consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of an IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits for homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It also helps reduce the possibility of draughts or mould forming on window panes. However, they're not indestructible and issues can occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can usually repair most issues with double glazing repaired, rather than replaced, saving you the cost and disruption of having new windows installed.
One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing face is the need to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the case, it's important to get in touch with a professional as soon as you can to schedule an appropriate time for a window fitter to come and carry out the repairs required.
Another issue is when windows become difficult to open or close. This may be due to heat or because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating the handles or hinges to resolve the issue. It could also be that the frame is dropping or sagging and requires realignment.
The misting can be easily fixed. The seals made of rubber that hold the two panes of glass together wear down over time. This is usually caused by the frames moving in a slight manner as they age and the particular packaging material that holds them in place. This results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling into the glass can be used to remove moisture. This is a temporary fix and must be repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is the best long-term solution. They allow fresh air into the room, while preventing warm air from getting out.