Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an excellent investment for your home. However, over time, it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.
The cause can be due to various reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to an absence 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, an errant lawnmower ball, or even a stone that is dropped can cause a double glazed window to shatter. If this happens the cold or hot air can travel more easily between the two panes glass, making your home less insulated and causing higher energy costs. If both of the windows have cracked then it's time to contact an expert to repair the windows.
However, if one of the panes has been broken, but not completely shattered, it may still be able to be repaired. First remove the old 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 loose putty around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Put a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to prevent them from breaking after the putty has been removed.
Once the frame is ready for a new pane, grease the cutter with the cheap glass cutting tool found in many hardware stores -- with light oil such as WD-40. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, roughly an inch in from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into the rabbets, or the l-shaped grooves in the window frame in which it is placed. Then, use the tool's chiseled end to rake away any remaining putty from the edge of the glass.
After the new pane is installed, press the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the frame-glass joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints with a primer that is specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although rare, a sudden crack in your double glazing could occur, particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds shut during hot weather, and not open them too much when the sun is shining - this prevents excess heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. A good double glazed window should also be simple to open and close without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a small amount of oil could help, as can changing the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a damaged window isn't just ugly, but can be very dangerous. If you notice shards of glass on the floor, or a crack in the double glazing, it's recommended to contact an emergency glazier. It is better to replace the damaged glass rather than attempting to repair it.
Additionally, any condensation between the two glass panes suggests that there's an issue with your seals, and should be fixed straight away. A reputable glazier could drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump into dry agent (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a fast and cost-effective solution. Be aware that this is a temporary fix and you will need to replace your windows in the future 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 it condenses at night. This is a natural phenomenon 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 operating as efficiently as it should.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame to allow air to flow through, eliminating any condensation build up in your home. This will also help keep the heat in your home and lower energy costs over time.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes into the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as any issues occur. This is so that they can send a technician out to investigate the issue and resolve any issues prior to them getting 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 typically quicker and more efficient to hire a professional. This is especially true for any problems that require specialist tools. Professionals will also provide a guarantee on their work, which you may not receive if you try to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that is heard in the home and prevent damage to furnishings from ultraviolet light. They can also reduce condensation, which is a common reason for the growth of mould. If they're installed correctly, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes and cause draughts.
In double-glazed windows two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar typically contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. However, when the desiccant loses its ability to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a typical issue when double glazing is poorly made however it can be easily repaired by drilling holes in the glass windows repairs near me or spacer, and after that, 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 to your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas such as argon, may enhance the insulation properties more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed windows, but are often 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 installing double-glazed windows for your home, work with an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system lets you to take advantage of an IGU that is high-quality without removing your existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners. It improves energy efficiency and reduces noise. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and the growth of mould on windows. However, they aren't indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. Repairing most problems with double glazing instead of replacing them, saving you money and the inconvenience of having new windows installed.
One of the most frequent problems that owners of double glazing encounter is having to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the situation it is essential to get in touch with a professional to schedule an installer to visit and make the repairs required.
Another issue occurs when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. If this is the case, try cooling down the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has slightly fallen or sagged, and requires to be adjusted.
Misting is also something that can be easily repaired. This is because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together become weaker with time. This is often caused by the frames shifting little as they age, and settling the particular packaging material that holds them in place. This results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling holes into the affected glass and removing the moisture from within. This will only be a short-term solution though and will likely require repeated. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents into your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let warm air escape.