Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be a great investment in your home. Over time, it can create problems such as misting and condensation.
This can be caused by many reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to loss of the gases that insulate that are located between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball, or a stone thrown can cause a double glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between the two panes of glass, which can result in lower the insulation and resulting in higher energy costs. If both windows are cracked, it's time to call a professional to replace the windows.
However, if one the panes is cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be able to be repaired. First remove the old glass from the frame while wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using a heating gun, take out the loose putty around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Use aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready to accept a replacement pane, grease a glass-cutting machine (available in many hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut along the edges of the glass, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into the rabbets or grooves that are shaped like an l, in the window frame, where it will sit. Use the chiseled edge of the tool to take away any excess glue around the edges.
Put glazier's tips in the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins the frame. Apply a second cord of glaziers compound to the frame-glass joints and smooth using a putty knife. If windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints with an adhesive designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and not open them too much when the sun is shining - this helps to prevent excess heat from building up between the two glass panes.
windows repairs near me to prevent cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. A well-constructed double glazed window should also be easy to open and close, with no sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a small amount of oil could help, as can adjusting the screws and locks to make sure they're tight enough.
Be aware that a damaged glass window can be dangerous. If you notice cracks in your double glazing and you can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier right away as it's likely to be best to replace the broken glass entirely instead of fixing it.
If you see condensation between the two panes of glass, this is an indication that your seals aren't working correctly and must be replaced immediately. A reputable glazier could drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in dry agent (typically desiccant) to remove any moisture. This is a fast and cost-effective solution. Be aware that this is only temporary solution and you'll need to replace your windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. It occurs when the moisture from the air is pulled into the gap between the panes and condenses during the night. This is a completely natural event and not an indication of any fault with the glass or windows, but can be frustrating for homeowners as it stops the double glazing performing properly as it should.
Add vents or trickle-vents the frame to let air flow, removing any condensation that may be present in your home. Adding this will also help to keep heat in the home and decrease energy costs in the long run.
A professional will usually be able to resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will drill a tiny hole into the window to release any trapped moisture and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as issues occur. It is important to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing issues. This will allow them to send a technician out to examine the situation and address any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended for all communication to be in writing. This can be done via email or a letter.
While it is possible to do some repairs yourself, it is usually faster and more efficient to hire a professional to perform the work. This is especially the case for issues that require specialized equipment. Additionally, a professional will typically provide a guarantee for their work that you're not likely to receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular due to their the efficiency of energy, lower noise levels inside the home, and protect furniture from UV rays. They can also help minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, air can easily escape through the gaps in between the glass panes, causing the air to draught.
In double-glazed windows two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, thus preventing internal condensation. As the desiccant's ability to eliminate moisture from spacer bars diminishes and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue when double glazing is poorly made, but it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer and after that, putting in the dehumidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double glazed window acts as an insulator by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas like argon, could enhance the insulation properties more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed windows, but are often worth it as they can reduce your cooling and heating costs, shield 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 choose an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system lets you to reap the benefits of a high-quality IGU without having to remove the frames and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits to homeowners. it improves energy efficiency and reduces noise and condensation. It can also reduce the risk of draughts or the growth of mould on the window panes. However, they're not indestructible and issues can occur. You can repair most double glazing problems instead of replacing them, saving you money and the hassle of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners are often required to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case, it is important to contact a professional to arrange for an installer to come out and make the necessary repairs.
A window that isn't easy to close or open could also be a problem. It could be due to heat or the mechanism is becoming stiffer over time. If this is the case, you can try cooling down the mechanism and lubricating handles and hinges. It could also be the case that the frame is dropping or sagging and requires re-alignment.
Misting is another issue which can be easily fixed. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear down over time. The frames can move little by little as time passes, and the packaging material that keeps them in place expands. 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 is likely to need repeating. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is the best long-term solution. They allow fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from getting out.