Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. In time, it may create problems such as misting and condensation.
This could be due to a number of reasons but is usually due to the seals no longer being air-tight, causing loss of the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It is helpful to understand how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A accidental ball from the lawnmower or a stone thrown at it even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between two panes of glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're broken.
If one of the panes has cracked but not completely shattered it could be possible to repair. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Then using a painter's instrument and gradually warming it with a heat gun, remove the loose putty around the edges of the broken glass. Put a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to prevent them from breaking after the putty has been removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane use a glass-cutting tool that is cheap to lubricate (available in the majority of 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. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to take away any putty that is accumulated around the edge.
Once the new pane is in place, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Apply a second cord of glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints with an anti-rust primer specifically designed specifically for the type of metal you have.
Cracks
Although rare however, a sudden crack in your double glazing may occur - particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is crucial to keep blinds closed during hot weather and to not open the blinds too often when the sun shines. This will prevent excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from forming on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are well secured. Double-glazed windows should be easy to shut and open without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms may help. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure they are secure enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window could be dangerous. If you notice shards of glass on the floor, or cracks in the double glazing, it is best to call 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 your seals aren't functioning properly and should be fixed immediately. A reputable glazier can cut into the seal and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a quick and inexpensive solution. However, be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and you will need to replace your windows in the long in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture in the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then condenses at night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not indicate any problem with the glass or windows. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame and allow air to flow through, eliminating any condensation that may build up within your home. This will help to keep heat in the home and decrease energy bills in the long run.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes through the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company you bought your double glazing from immediately you begin having issues. This is to ensure that they send a technician out to assess the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This can be done via email or a letter.
It is possible to fix certain things yourself, but it is typically quicker and more efficient to work with a professional. This is particularly true for problems that require specialized equipment. In addition, a professional will typically provide a warranty for their work that you won't necessarily receive if you try and fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, cut down on the amount of noise that can be heard inside the home, and prevent damage to furnishings from ultraviolet light. They also help reduce condensation which is a typical cause for mould. If they're not 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 is filled with an gas that is insulating. upvc door repairs contain a desiccant that helps to draw moisture from the gap, thus preventing interior condensation. As the desiccant's ability to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue when double glazing is poorly made, but it is easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer, and after that, putting in the 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 inside your home. The insulation performance can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas, such as argon to fill the gap.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed ones, but are often worth the cost as they reduce your cooling and heating costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of the property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to benefit of an IGU that is high-quality without having to remove your frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners. It boosts the efficiency of energy and also reduces noise. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and mould forming on windows. They aren't indestructible, and sometimes problems can be encountered. Repairing the majority of double glazing issues rather than replace them, which will save you money and the hassle of having new windows installed.
One of the most frequent problems that homeowners with double glazing encounter is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the case, it's crucial to contact an expert as soon as possible to set up a suitable time for a window fitting professional to visit and complete the repairs required.
A window that isn't easy to open or shut can be a source of trouble. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is becoming stiffer over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles or hinges to resolve the issue. It could also be the case that the frame is slightly dropping or sagging and requires re-alignment.
The misting could also be easily fixed. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames tend to move slightly in time and the packaging material that holds them in place compacts. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Drilling into the glass is a way to remove moisture. This will only be temporary solution, and is likely to need repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is the best long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, but prevent warm air from leaving.