Repairing double glazed window repairs Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. As time passes, it will cause problems such as misting or condensation.
This can be due to a variety of causes, but usually due to the seals no more being airtight, causing loss of the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. Knowing how to repair your double glazing will aid.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double glazed window to shatter. This allows heat or cold to flow more easily between two panes of the glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher the cost of energy. It's time to replace both windows if they're broken.
If one of the panes has been damaged, but not completely broken, it may still be possible to repair it. First take the glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using a heat gun, remove the putty that is loose around the edges of the broken glass. Use aluminum foil to protect the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready for the new pane of glass, lubricate the cutter on the cheap glass cutting tool found in many hardware stores -- with lightweight oil like WD-40. Cut the glass around the perimeter, about one inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into the rabbets, or the grooves that are shaped like an l, in the window frame where it sits. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to get rid of any excess putty around the edges.
Press glazier's tips into the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Apply a second glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made of steel paint the joints with a rust-prevention primer formulated specifically for your particular type of metal.
Cracks
Although rare however, a sudden crack in your double glazing can occur - particularly 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 changes. It is essential to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to be careful not to open them up too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are secured. Double glazed windows should be easy to shut and open and should not sag or stick. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms may assist. You can also adjust the screws and locks so they are secure enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just unsightly but also dangerous. If you have cracks in your double glazing and can see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, call an emergency glazier immediately as it's probably best to replace the damaged glass completely instead of fixing it.
Additionally, any condensation between the two glass panes suggests that there's an issue with the seals and should be fixed straight away. A reputable glazier can drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a simple 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 can be a issue with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture from 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 defect in the windows or glass, but it can be a problem for homeowners as it stops the double glazing performing properly as it is supposed to.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame to allow air to flow through, eliminating the possibility of condensation forming within your home. This will also keep the temperature in your home and reduce energy costs over time.
A professional will usually be able to solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to release any trapped moisture and then apply an antifog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company you bought your double glazing from when you begin having issues. It is essential to contact the company you bought your double glazing from the moment you start experiencing problems. This will allow them to send a technician to assess the situation and fix any issues before they worsen. It is recommended for all communication to be in writing. This is done via email or letter.
While it is possible to do some repairs yourself, it's usually faster and more efficient to engage a professional to do this. This is particularly true for problems that require specialized equipment. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you may not get if you try to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their the efficiency of energy, lower the noise levels in the home, and shield furniture from UV rays. They can also reduce condensation which is a frequent cause for mould. If they are not properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps between the glass panes and cause drafts.
In double-glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant, which assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, which prevents internal condensation. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it's possible for condensation to form between the glass panes. This is a common issue with double glazing that has been badly made. However, it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and inserting a humidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to inside 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 ones but are usually worth it as they can lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and boost the value of your home. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows into your home, you should consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing technology allows you to reap the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits to homeowners, it improves energy efficiency and reduces condensation and noise. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or the growth of mould on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and problems do sometimes occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can usually have most problems with double glazing repaired rather than replaced, saving you the cost and hassle of putting in new windows installed.
Double glazing owners often have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case it is essential to speak with a professional in order to schedule an installer to come out and complete the repairs needed.
A window that isn't easy to close or open could also be a problem. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is stiffening up over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating hinges or handles to resolve the issue. Or, it could be that the frame has slightly fallen or sagged, and requires to be adjusted.
The misting can be fixed easily. This is because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes in place become weaker over time. The frames tend to move little by little as time passes and the material that holds them in place compacts. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Drilling into the affected glass is a way to remove moisture. This is only temporary solution, and will likely require repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames will be an ideal long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from leaving.