Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an investment that will benefit your home. However, over time it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.
It can be caused by various reasons, but it is typically due to the seals not being airtight. This causes a loss of the insulating gases that sit between the glass panes. It is beneficial to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball or a stone that is thrown can cause a double glazed window to shatter. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between the two panes of glass, reducing insulation and increasing energy costs. If both of the windows have cracked and you're in need of an expert to replace them.
If one of the panes has damaged but is not completely broken it could be be repairable. 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 broken edges of the glass using a painter’s tool, which you can warm with the help of a heat gun. Use aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready for the new pane, you need to lubricate the cutter on an inexpensive glass cutting tool found in many hardware stores -- using light oil such as WD-40. Score around the perimeter of the glass, roughly one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass into the rabbets (the l-shaped grooves) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edge of the tool to take away any putty that is accumulated around the edges.
Press glazier's tips into the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins the frame. Apply another cord of glaziers compound to the frame-glass joints and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made of steel paint the joints using a rust-prevention primer formulated for your type of metal.
Cracks
Although it is not common the possibility of a cracking in your double glazing could occur - particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds closed in hot weather and to not open them too much when the sun is shining - this helps to prevent excess heat from building up between the two glass panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double-glazed windows should be easy to open and shut, without sagging or sticking. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can assist. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure that they are tight enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a window that is cracked is not just ugly but also risky. If you find shards on the floor and a crack in the double glazing, it is best to call an emergency glazier. It is more beneficial to replace the damaged glass rather than attempting to repair it.
Additionally, any condensation between the two glass panes indicates that there is an issue with the seals and must be addressed immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation can cut into the seal and inject or pump dry agent, usually a desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a quick and cheap solution. Be aware that this is a temporary fix and that you will have to replace your windows in the near term.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double glazing. Condensation happens when moisture in the air is drawn into the space between the glass panes and then evaporates at night. This is a normal occurrence and not a sign of any issue with the windows or glass, however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners as it stops the double glazing from operating in the way it is supposed to.
Install sash windows repair or trickle-vents on the frame to let air flow, eliminating any condensation in your home. This will also help keep your home warm and lower energy bills over time.
Often a professional can repair the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will make tiny holes in the window to eliminate any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.
Contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems arise. This is to ensure that they send out a technician to check the situation and fix any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This is done via email or a letter.
It is possible to repair certain issues yourself, however it is generally quicker and more efficient to employ an expert. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist tools. A professional can also provide the guarantee of their work, which you might not receive if you attempt to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their improved efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels inside the home, and shield furniture from UV radiation. They can also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes, causing drafts.
In double-glazed windows the space between the two panes is filled with an insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant, which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing the formation of condensation inside. However, as the desiccant ceases to function to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it's possible for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's poorly made. However, it can be easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar, and then inserting 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, may enhance the insulation properties more.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to put in however they're generally worth the investment since they can reduce cooling and heating costs, protect furnishings from UV damage and boost the value of your home. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, make sure you choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of an IGU that is high-quality without having to remove your frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits to homeowners. it improves energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and the growth of mould on windows. However, they aren't indestructible and there are times when problems can arise. It's worth remembering that you can repair most issues with double glazing repaired instead of replacing them and save yourself the expense and disruption of having new windows installed.
One of the most frequent issues that people who own double glazing experience is having to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the case it is crucial to contact a professional to arrange for an installer of windows to visit and make the repairs needed.
Another issue occurs when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles or hinges to resolve the issue. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has fallen or sagged, and requires to be re-aligned.
Misting is also something which can be easily fixed. This happens because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together break down with time. The frames can move slightly in 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 holes into the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This is an interim solution and will likely need repeating. Installing trickle vents in your frames is an ideal long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, while preventing warm air from getting out.