Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a great investment for your home. Over time, it can develop problems like misting and condensation.
This can be caused by various reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to loss of the gases that are used to insulate and are located between the glass panes. Knowing how to repair your double glazing can aid.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball, or a stone dropped can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. If this happens, heat or cold air can move more easily between the two panes glass which makes your home less well-insulated and increasing your energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're broken.
If one of the panes is cracked but not completely shattered it may still feasible to repair it. First remove the old glass from the frame wearing safety glasses and gloves. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using the help of a heat gun, you can remove the loose putty around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to stop them from fracturing as the putty is removed.
Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane, use a glass-cutting tool that is cheap to lubricate (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Score the glass around the perimeter, approximately 1 inch from the edge. Then, put the glass into the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Then utilize the tool's chiseled edge to scrape any remaining putty from the edge of the glass.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the frame-glass joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made from metal, you can paint the joints using an adhesive specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although it's not common double glazing cracks can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. The reason for this is usually due to differences in pressure between the two panes glass, which are caused by extreme temperature variations. It is essential to keep blinds closed during hot weather, and to not open them too much when the sun shines. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double-glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secure, especially on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double-glazed windows should be simple to open and close without sagging or catching. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a small amount of oil could aid, as can changing the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just ugly, but can be very dangerous. If you notice cracks in your double glazing and can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, contact an emergency glazier as it's likely to be best to replace the damaged glass completely rather than fixing it.
Likewise, any condensation in between the two glass panes suggests that there's an issue with your seals and must be addressed immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation will be able to drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a simple and cost-effective solution. Be aware that this is temporary solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation can be a issue with older double glazing. It occurs when moisture from the air is pushed into the space between the panes and then condenses during the night. This is a natural occurrence that does not indicate any issue with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from operating effectively as it should.
Add vents or trickle-vents the frame to let air flow, preventing condensation in your home. This will also keep the heat in your home and lower energy bills over time.
glass window repair can often resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will make tiny holes in the window to expel any moisture that has been trapped, 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 crucial to contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing from the moment you notice problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to inspect the situation and address any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or letter as this will make it easier to dispute any claims that you may have in the future.
While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it is usually easier and less costly to hire a professional to do this. This is particularly applicable to issues that require specialized equipment. A professional will also offer a guarantee on their work, which you might not receive if you try to fix the double glazing by yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels inside the home, and shield furniture from UV rays. They also help reduce condensation which is a typical cause for mould. If they're not properly installed, air could easily escape through the gaps between the glass panes, leading to drafts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between the two panes is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bar usually contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. As the desiccant's ability to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently with poorly-made double glazing however it is easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and then putting in a dehumidifier.
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 into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas such as argon, can improve the insulating properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows but are usually worthwhile as they reduce your cooling and heating costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and also increase the value of the property. If you're thinking of having double glazed windows installed in your home, make sure to choose an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing the frames and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits for homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It can also help to reduce the chance of draughts and mould building up on windows. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. It's worth remembering that you can get most double glazing faults repaired, rather than replaced and save yourself the expense and hassle of putting in new windows installed.
Double glazing owners are often required to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case it is crucial to contact a professional to schedule a window installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.
A window that is difficult to open or shut can be a source of trouble. It could be due to heat or the mechanism is getting stiffer over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles or hinges to resolve the issue. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and needs to be aligned.
The misting can be easily fixed. The seals made of rubber that hold the two panes of glass together wear down over time. The frames can move in a slight manner in time and the packaging material that keeps them in place expands. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling into the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This is temporary solution, and will likely need repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames is a better long-term solution. They allow fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from escaping.