Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. Over time, it can create problems such as misting and condensation.
This can be due to a variety of causes, but usually down to the seals no more being airtight, causing loss of the gas that acts as an insulation between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing will help.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmower or a stone that has been thrown around even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window pane to break. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between two panes of glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher energy costs. If both windows have cracked, it's time to call a professional to replace the windows.
If one of the panes is damaged but not completely broken, it may still be repairable. First remove the old glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the loose putty from the broken edges of the glass using the painter's tool, which you can warm with the aid of a heat gun. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to stop them from fracturing as the putty is removed.
Once the frame is ready to accept the new pane of glass, make sure to lubricate the cutter using a cheap glass cutting tool available at most hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into place in the rabbets, the l-shaped grooves in the window frame where it sits. Then, use the tool's chiseled tip to scrape any putty that is left over from the edges of the glass.
Put glazier's tips in the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins 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 steel, paint the joints with a rust-prevention primer formulated for your type of metal.
Cracks
Although rare, a sudden crack in your double glazing could occur - particularly in older windows. The cause is often due to differences in pressure between the two panes glass, caused by extreme temperature changes. It is crucial to keep blinds closed during hot weather and to not open the blinds too often when the sun shines. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows make sure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles are secured. A good double glazed window should also be easy to open and close, without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a little oil can assist, as could adjusting the screws and locks to ensure they're secured enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a cracked window is not just unsightly, but can be very risky. If you see shards on the floor, or a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It is better to replace the broken glass rather than attempting to repair it.
Likewise, any condensation in between the two panes of glass suggests that there's an issue with your seals and should be fixed straight away. A reputable glazier can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in drying agents (typically a desiccant) to remove any moisture. This is a fast inexpensive and efficient solution to this issue. However, be aware that this is a temporary fix and that you will need to replace your windows in the future in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. It happens when moisture from the air is pushed into the space between the panes, and then it condenses at night. This is a natural occurrence that does not indicate any problem with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from operating as efficiently as it should.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents on the frame and allow air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming within your home. This will also keep your home warm and lower energy costs over time.
Often a professional can repair the issue without having replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes into the window in order 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 having issues. This is to ensure that they send out a technician to assess the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or letter because this makes it easier to dispute any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to fix certain things yourself, but it is usually quicker and more efficient to employ a professional. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. Furthermore an expert will usually provide a warranty for their work that you won't necessarily receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular because they improve efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels within the home, and protect furnishings from UV rays. They can also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, it's easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes which can cause draughts.
In double-glazed windows the space between the two panes is filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which helps to draw moisture from the gap, which prevents the formation of condensation inside. However, as the desiccant ceases to function to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's badly made. However, it can be fixed by drilling holes into 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 into your home. The insulating performance is enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas like argon to fill the gap.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to put in however they're generally worth the investment as they reduce heating and cooling bills, help to protect furnishings from UV damage and increase the value of your home. If double glazed window repairs of installing double-glazed windows for your home, work with an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to take advantage of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many advantages for homeowners. It boosts the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It also helps reduce the possibility of draughts or the growth of mould on window panes. However, they're not indestructible and there are times when problems can arise. Repairing most problems with double glazing rather than replacing them, which will save you money and the inconvenience of replacing windows.
One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing experience is having to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the case it is essential to get in touch with a professional to arrange for an installer of windows to come out and make the necessary repairs.
A window that isn't easy to close or open could also be a problem. This could be due to heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It may also be that the frame is slightly sagging or has dropped and needs to be realigned.
Misting is another issue that can be easily repaired. It happens because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes in place become weaker as time passes. This is usually caused by the frames moving little as they age, and compacting 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.
Misting can be treated by drilling holes into the glass affected and then removing the moisture from within. This is only a temporary solution and must be repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames is the best long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from escaping.