Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a great investment in your home. As time passes, it will cause problems such as misting or condensation.
This can be due to a number of causes, but usually due to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to loss of the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. Knowing how to repair your double glazing will assist.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double glazed window to break. If this happens it is possible that cold or hot air can travel more easily between the two panes of glass, making your home less well-insulated and increasing your energy bills. If both of the windows are shattered and you're in need of an expert to replace them.
However, if one of the panes has been damaged, but not completely broken It might be able to be repaired. First remove the old glass from the frame wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it with the help of a heat gun, you can remove the putty that is loose around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Use double glazed window repairs near me to shield the glass from cracking as the putty is being 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 another lightweight oil. Cut along the edges of the glass, about 1 inch from the edge. Then, place the glass into the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Then utilize the tool's chiseled edge to scrape any putty that is left over from the edge of the glass.
After the new pane is in place, push the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compounds to the glass-frame joint and smooth it out using the putty knife. If windows are made of metal then you can paint the joints with a primer that is designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Although rare the possibility of a cracking in your double glazing may occur, particularly in older windows. The cause is often due to differences in pressure between the two panes of glass, caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed in hot weather and to avoid opening the blinds too much when the sun shines. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from forming on your double-glazed windows make sure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are secured. A good double glazed window should also be simple to open and close without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a little oil can help, as can making adjustments to the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window can be dangerous. If you have cracks in your double glazing and see loose shards of glass on the floor, call an emergency glazier as it's probably best to replace the damaged pane of glass completely rather than repair it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes of glass, this is an indication that the seals are not working properly and need to be repaired immediately. A reliable glazier will be able to drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a quick 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 frequent issue with older double glazing. It occurs when air moisture is pushed into the space between the panes, and then it condenses at night. This is a natural occurrence and not a sign of any issue with the glass or windows but can be frustrating for homeowners because it hinders the double glazing from operating as effectively 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 aid in keeping heat inside the home and decrease energy bills in the long run.
A professional will usually be able to fix the problem without replacing the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to let out any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
Contact the company through which you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems arise. This is so that they can send out a technician to investigate the issue and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or a letter, as this will make it easier to contest any claims that you may have in the future.
While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it is usually quicker and more effective to engage a professional to complete the task. This is especially applicable to issues that require specialized equipment. In addition, a professional will typically provide a warranty for their work that you're not likely to receive when you attempt to repair the double glazing on your own.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular due to their improved energy efficiency, reduce noise levels within the home, and protect furnishings from UV rays. They can also help reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. If they aren't properly installed, air can easily escape through the gaps in between the glass panes, causing draughts.
In double-glazed windows the space between two panes of glass is filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar typically contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. The desiccant's capacity to draw moisture away from spacer bars decreases and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a common issue with double glazing that's been poorly constructed. However, it can be easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and inserting a humidifier.
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. Filling the gap with an inert gas, like argon, could improve the insulating properties even more.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to put in, but they're often well worth the investment since they can reduce cooling and heating costs, and help protect furnishings from UV damage, and increase the value of your property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows for your home, you should consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of an IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers many benefits for homeowners, it improves energy efficiency and reduces noise and condensation. It also helps reduce the risk of draughts and mould building up on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and there are times when problems can arise. Repairing most double glazing problems rather than replacing them, saving you money and the inconvenience of installing new windows.
Double glazing owners typically have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case, it's essential to contact an expert as soon as possible to arrange an appropriate time for a window fitting professional to arrive and make the repairs required.
Another issue is when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating the handles and hinges. It may also be that the frame is slightly sliding or has fallen and requires re-alignment.
The misting can also be repaired easily. This is because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. This is usually caused by the frames moving little as they age, and compacting the special packaging material that holds them in place. This can result in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling holes into the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This is only a temporary solution and should be repeated. A better solution for the long run is to install trickle vents into your frames. This allows fresh air to flow in but won't let any of the warm air escape.