Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an excellent investment for your home. However, with time, it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.
It could be due to a variety of reasons, but it is typically due to the seals not longer being air-tight, causing an increase in the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. This allows cold or heat to pass more easily between two panes of the glass, reducing the insulation and resulting in higher energy costs. If both windows are cracked, it's time to call a professional to replace them.
If one of the panes has been cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be able to be repaired. First take the glass from the frame wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the loose putty from the broken edges of the glass using a painter's tool that can be warmed by the aid of a heat gun. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to prevent them from breaking when the putty is removed.
When the frame is ready 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, about an inch in from the edge. Then, gently shift the glass to fit into the rabbets, the l-shaped grooves in the window frame, where it will sit. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to remove any putty that is accumulated around the edge.
Once the new pane is in place, push glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the seam where it meets the glass. Apply another cord of glaziers compound to frame-glass joints and smooth with a putty knife. If windows are made of metal, you can paint the joints using an adhesive specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although it's rare cracks in double glazing can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It's usually caused by pressure differences between two panes which can be 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 far when the sun is shining. this prevents excess heat from building up between the two glass panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows ensure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are well secured. Double-glazed windows should be easy to shut and open and should not sag or stick. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can aid. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure they are secure enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a cracked window isn't just ugly, but can be very dangerous. If you see shards on the floor or cracks in the double glazing, it is best to call an emergency glazing expert. It's better to replace the damaged glass rather than attempting to repair it.
If you see condensation between the two panes, this is an indication that the seals aren't working correctly and must be replaced immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation can 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 can be a quick, cheap and effective solution to this issue. However, be aware that this is a temporary fix and that you will have to replace your windows in the near in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. It happens when moisture from the air is drawn into the gap between the panes, and then condenses during the night. This is a natural occurrence that does not signal any issues with the glass or windows. However it can be very frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
The best solution is to add vents or trickle vents to the frame to allow air to flow through, removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the house and help reduce energy costs in the long run.
Most times, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes into the window to let out any moisture that has been trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from when you begin experiencing problems. It is crucial to contact the company you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will allow them to send a technician out to examine the situation and address any issues before they get worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or a letter, since this will make it easier to contest any claims in the future.
While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it is normally much faster and more efficient to engage a professional to do this. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist tools. Additionally, a professional will typically provide a warranty for their work which you won't necessarily receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they improve energy efficiency, reduce the noise levels in the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They also help minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they aren't properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps between the glass panes and cause draughts.
In double glazed windows, two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar, and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bar is usually filled with an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of window repairs the gap and prevent condensation. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently when double glazing is poorly made but it is easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer and then putting in the dehumidifier.
The space between two panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from entering your home. The insulation performance is enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas such as 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 reduce your heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your home. If you're thinking of having double glazed windows installed in your home, make sure to work with an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a premium IGU without having to remove your frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners, it improves energy efficiency and reduces noise and condensation. It also decreases the chance of draughts or the growth of mould on the window panes. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. Repairing most problems with double glazing rather than replace them, thereby saving money and the inconvenience of replacing windows.
Double glazing owners often have to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case it is essential to get in touch with a professional to schedule a window installer to come out and complete the necessary repairs.
Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiffer over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles or hinges if this is the problem. It could also be that the frame is sagging or has dropped and requires re-alignment.
Misting is also something that can be fixed easily. The rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames can move slightly over time and the material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass can be used to remove moisture. This is only a short-term solution though and will likely require repeating. A better long-term fix is to put trickle vents into your frames, which allows fresh air to circulate but will not let any of the warm air escape.