Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. However, over time, it may develop issues such as condensation or misting.
The cause can be due to a variety of reasons, but it is typically due to the seals not being airtight. This causes loss of the gases that insulate that are located between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing could assist.
Broken Panes
A accidental ball from the lawnmowers, a hurled stone or even a claw of a cat could cause a double-glazed glass pane to shatter. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between two panes of the glass, reducing the insulation and resulting in higher energy bills. If both of the windows are cracked, it's time to call an expert to repair the windows.
If one of the panes has damaged, but not completely broken It might be possible to repair it. First remove the old glass from the frame wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then using a painter's tool and gradually warming it up with a heating gun, take out the loose putty around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Put a piece of aluminum foil on the panes that are next to it to stop them from fracturing after the putty has been removed.
When the frame is ready to accept the new pane of glass, make sure to lubricate the cutter using a cheap glass cutting tool available in most hardware stores -- using light oil such as WD-40. Score around the perimeter of the glass, about an inch in from the edge. Then, put the glass into the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Then, use the tool's chiseled edge to rake away any putty that is left over off the edge of the glass.
Once the new pane is installed, press the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the glass-frame joint and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints with a rust-prevention primer formulated specifically for your particular type of metal.
Cracks
Although it's not common, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, that 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 prevents excess heat from accumulating between the two glass panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double-glazed windows should be easy to shut and open without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can help. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure that they are tight enough.
It's important to remember that a cracked window is not just ugly and can also be dangerous. If you find cracks in your double glazing and can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier immediately since it's best to replace the damaged pane of glass completely instead of fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that the seals aren't functioning correctly and must be replaced immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation will be able to drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a simple and inexpensive solution. Be aware that this is only an interim solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double glazing. It happens when moisture from the air is drawn into the gap between the panes and then condenses during the night. This is a natural occurrence that doesn't indicate any issue with the windows or glass. However, it can be frustrating for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from operating effectively as it should.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to allow air to flow, preventing condensation that may be present in your home. The addition of this feature will also help to keep heat in the home and decrease energy costs in the long term.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They'll make tiny holes in the window to eliminate any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start having issues. It is essential to contact the company you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to inspect the situation and fix any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to have all communication in writing, such as an email or a letter, since this will make it easier for you to contest any claims in the future.
While double glazing window repairs is possible to do some repairs yourself, it is normally much easier and less costly hiring a professional perform the work. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. Furthermore, a professional will typically provide a guarantee for their work that you won't necessarily receive if you attempt to repair the double glazing on your own.
Draughts
Double glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, cut down on the amount of noise that is heard inside the home, and protect furniture from ultraviolet light. They can also help to reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. If they're properly installed, it's easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes and cause drafts.
In double glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing internal condensation. Since the ability of the desiccant to draw moisture away from spacer bars diminishes and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that's been poorly made. However, it can be fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and putting in an humidifier.
The space between the two panes of glass in a double-glazed window acts as an insulator by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to your home. The insulation performance can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas, such as argon to fill in the gap.
Double glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the cost as they reduce heating and cooling costs, and help protect furnishings from UV damage and increase the value of your property. If you're thinking of having double glazed windows installed in your home, make sure to choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system lets you to benefit of an IGU that is high-quality without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also reduce the possibility of draughts and the build-up of mould on the window panes. However, they aren't indestructible and there are times when problems can arise. You can repair most double glazing problems instead of replacing them, which will save you money and the hassle of installing new windows.
One of the most common issues that people who own double glazing face is the need to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the situation it is essential to contact a professional to schedule an installer to come out and complete the repairs needed.
Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiffer over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles and hinges. It could also be that the frame is slightly sagging or has dropped and requires re-alignment.
Misting is also a problem that can be fixed easily. This is because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes in place break down over time. This is usually caused by the frames shifting in a slight manner as they age and compacting the particular packaging material that keeps them in place, which results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass is a way to remove moisture. This is a temporary fix and must be repeated. A better long-term fix is to put trickle vents in your frames. This allows fresh air to enter but will not let any warm air escape.