Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. However, over time, it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.
This could be due to a number of reasons, but it is typically down to the seals no longer being air-tight, causing an increase in the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing could aid.
Broken Panes
A loose ball from the lawnmowers, a hurled stone or even a claw from a cat can cause a double-glazed glass pane to break. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between two panes of glass, reducing insulation and increasing the cost of energy. If both of the windows have cracked and you're in need of an expert to repair the windows.
If one of the panes has damaged but not completely broken, it may still be repairable. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Remove the loose putty from the cracked edges of the glass with a painter's tool that you can warm using the aid of a heat gun. Use aluminum foil to protect adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready to accept a replacement pane, lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut the glass around the perimeter, approximately 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into place in the rabbets or grooves that form an l in the window frame where it sits. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to take away any excess putty around the edge.
When the new pane has been put installed, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Then apply another cord of glazier's compound to the glass-frame joint and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made of steel, paint the joints with a primer that prevents rust. It is designed for your type of metal.
Cracks
Although it's not common cracks in double glazing can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. The cause is often due to the difference in pressure between the two panes of glass, caused by extreme temperature changes. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds shut 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.
The best way to avoid cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secured, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. A good double glazed window should also be simple to open and close, with no sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a small amount of oil could help, as can adjusting the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.
Be aware that a damaged glass window could be dangerous. If you see shards on the floor and a crack in the double glazing, it's recommended to contact an emergency glazing expert. It is 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 are not working properly and should be fixed immediately. A reputable glazier could drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump into drying agents (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a fast cost-effective and affordable solution to this issue. Be aware that this is only an interim solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture from the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then it condenses at night. This is a completely natural phenomenon and not indicative of any defect in the windows or glass, however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners as it stops the double glazing from working as effectively as it should.
Add vents or trickle-vents the frame to let air flow, removing any condensation that may be present in your home. This will also help keep the temperature in your home and lower energy costs over time.
A professional is often able to resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to let out any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. It is important to contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will enable them to send a technician to inspect the situation and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is a good idea to communicate in writing. This is done via email or letter.
While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it's usually faster and more efficient to engage a professional to perform the work. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist equipment. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you might not get if you try to fix the double glazing yourself.
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 prevent damage to furnishings from ultraviolet light. They also help reduce condensation which is a frequent reason for the growth of mould. If they're properly installed, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the panes of glass, causing the draughts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that helps to draw moisture from the gap, thus preventing interior condensation. However, when the desiccant loses its ability to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a problem window repair that occurs frequently with double glazing that is not properly made, but it can be easily repaired by drilling holes into the glass or spacer and then inserting the dehumidifier.
The space between two panes of glass in a double-glazed windows serves as an insulation, preventing cold air from getting into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas, such as argon, may improve the insulating properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed windows however, they are usually worth it as they can reduce your heating and cooling costs, shield your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, be sure to choose a highly-experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system lets you to benefit of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits for homeowners. It boosts the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or the growth of mould on windows. They aren't indestructible and, in some cases, problems may occur. Repairing the majority of double glazing issues instead of replacing them, which will save you money and the hassle of installing new windows.
Double glazing owners are often required to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case, it's important to contact a professional as soon as possible to arrange 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. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is stiffening up over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It may also be that the frame is sagging or has dropped and requires re-alignment.
Misting is another issue which can be easily fixed. It happens because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. This is usually caused by the frames shifting slightly as they age and settling the particular packaging material that keeps them in place. This can result in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass is a way to remove moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be repeated. A better solution for the long run is to install trickle vents in your frames, which allows fresh air to flow in but will not let warm air escape.