Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an excellent investment for your home. In time, it may cause problems such as misting or condensation.
It can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This causes an absence of the insulating gases that sit between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing will assist.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball, or even a stone that is that is thrown can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. This allows cold or heat to pass more easily between two layers of glass, which can result in lower the insulation and causing higher the cost of energy. It's time to replace both windows if they are broken.
If one of the panes has damaged but not completely broken, it is still possible to repair. First take the glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using 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 aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane grease a glass-cutting machine (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Cut the glass around the perimeter, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, put the glass into the rabbets (the l-shaped grooves) in the window frame. Then make use of the tool's chiseled edge to remove any putty that is left over off the edge of the glass.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compound over the frame-glass joint, and smooth it out using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints using an adhesive designed to prevent rust.
Cracks
Although it is not common however, a sudden crack in your double glazing may occur, especially in older windows. The reason is usually due to differences in pressure between the two panes glass, which are caused by extreme temperature changes. It is important to keep blinds closed in hot weather and to avoid opening them too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows make sure that the frames, particularly the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are well secured. A well-constructed double glazed window should also be simple to open and close without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a bit of oil may aid, as can changing the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just unsightly but also dangerous. If you find a crack in your double glazing and see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier as it's likely to be best to replace the damaged pane of glass completely rather than fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, this is an indication that the seals are not working properly and need to be repaired immediately. A reputable glazier could drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in drying agents (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a simple and cheap solution. Be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will need to replace your windows in the future term.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. It occurs when moisture from the air is pushed into the space between the panes, and then is able to condense during the night. This is a normal occurrence that does not indicate any problem with the glass or windows. However it can be very frustrating to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
The best solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame, allowing air to flow through, eliminating any condensation build up within your home. This will also keep your home warm and lower energy bills over time.
Most times, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes into the window to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from when you begin experiencing issues. This is to ensure that they send out a technician to investigate the issue and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to keep all communications in writing, like an email or a letter, because this makes it easier to dispute any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to repair some things yourself, but it is typically faster and more efficient to work with a professional. This is especially true for any problems that require the use of specialist tools. A professional will also offer an assurance on their work, which you may not receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing by yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency in energy use, reduce the noise levels in the home, and shield furniture from UV radiation. They also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, it's easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes, causing draughts.
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 bars typically contain a desiccant which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, thus preventing the formation of condensation inside. The desiccant's capacity to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue when double glazing is poorly made but it can be easily repaired by drilling holes into the glass or spacer and then inserting the dehumidifier.
windows repairs near me between the two panes of glass 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, such as argon, can increase the insulation properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed ones but are usually worth it as they can reduce your heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of the property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows at your residence, make sure to work with a highly-experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to benefit of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or mould forming on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and there are times when problems can arise. You can repair most double glazing problems instead of replacing them, thereby saving money and the hassle of having new windows installed.
One of the most frequent issues that people who own double glazing face is the need to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the situation, it is important to contact a professional to schedule an installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue occurs when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles or hinges in the event that this is the cause. It may also be that the frame is slightly sliding or has fallen and requires realignment.
The misting can be fixed easily. The rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames are prone to shifting little by little in time and the packaging material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling holes in the affected glass and removing the moisture from within. This is a temporary solution and should be repeated. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents in your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let warm air escape.