Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an investment that will benefit your home. However, over time, it could develop issues like condensation or misting.
The cause can be due to various factors, but it is typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to loss of the gases that are used to insulate and are located between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a loose lawnmower ball or a stone thrown can cause a double-glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to pass more easily between two layers of the glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher the cost of energy. It's time to replace both windows if damaged.
If one of the panes has cracked, not completely shattered it could be able to be repaired. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the edges that are broken of the glass with a painter's tool that can be warmed by the help of a heat gun. Use aluminum foil to protect 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 light oil. Score around the perimeter of the glass, approximately an inch in from the edge. Then, put the glass into the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Utilize the chiseled edge of the tool to remove any excess putty around the edges.
When double glazing window repairs has been put 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 to frame-glass joints and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made from metal it is possible to paint the joints using an adhesive specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although it's rare double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds shut in hot weather and to avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.
The best way to avoid cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double glazed windows should be simple to open and close without sagging or catching. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a bit of oil may help, as can adjusting the screws and locks to ensure they're secured enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a cracked window isn't just ugly but also dangerous. If you find cracks in your double glazing and you can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, contact an emergency glazier immediately as it's probably best to replace the broken pane of glass completely rather than fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, this is a sign that your seals are not working properly and should be fixed immediately. A reputable glazier can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in drying agents (typically a desiccant) to remove any moisture. This can be a simple, cheap and effective solution to this issue. 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 concern with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture from the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes and then it condenses at night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not signal any issue with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from working effectively as it should.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame to allow air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. The addition of this feature will also help to keep heat in the house and help reduce energy costs in the long run.
A professional is often able to solve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will drill a tiny holes into the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company through which you purchased your double glazing as soon as any issues occur. This is to ensure that they send out a technician to investigate the issue and address any issues before they become 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 for you to challenge any claims in the future.
While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it's normally much easier and less costly to hire a professional to perform the work. This is particularly the case for issues that require specialist tools. Furthermore professionals will usually offer some sort of guarantee for their work which you won't necessarily receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular as they help to improve energy efficiency, reduce the amount of noise that can be heard in the home and protect furniture from UV light. They also help reduce condensation which is a typical cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, air can easily leak through the gaps in between the glass panes, causing drafts.
In double-glazed windows two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar, and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar is usually filled with desiccant, which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. Since the ability of the desiccant to remove moisture from spacer bars decreases the possibility of condensation forming between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's badly made. However it can be fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and inserting an humidifier.
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 to inside your home. The insulating performance can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas like argon to fill the gap.
Double glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows for installation however, they're usually worth the cost as they reduce heating and cooling costs, and help protect furnishings from UV damage, and improve the value of your property. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows for your home, work with an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and the cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also help to reduce the chance of draughts and mould forming on window panes. However, they aren't indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can get most double glazing faults repaired, rather than replaced which will save you the expense and hassle of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners often have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the situation it is crucial to speak with a professional in order to arrange for an installer to visit and make the repairs needed.
Another issue occurs when a window becomes difficult to open or close. It could be due to heat or the mechanism is getting stiffer over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles or hinges if this is the problem. It could also be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and needs to be aligned.
Misting is also something that can be fixed easily. This happens because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together break down as time passes. This is usually caused by the frames shifting in a slight manner as they age and settling the special packaging material that holds them in place. This results in one or both panes of your double glazing moving and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass can be used to remove moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames will be an ideal long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from getting out.