Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. However, with time, it may develop issues such as condensation or misting.
It can be caused by various reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This results in an absence of the insulating gases that sit between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing could aid.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from a lawnmower or a stone that has been thrown around even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed glass pane to break. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between the two panes 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're broken.
If one of the panes has been cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be possible to repair it. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Remove the loose putty from the edges that are broken of the glass with the painter's tool, which 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.
When the frame is ready to accept the new pane, you need to grease the cutter with a cheap glass cutting tool available in most hardware stores -- with lightweight oil like WD-40. Score the glass around the perimeter, about 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass to fit into the rabbets, the grooves that form an l in the window frame where it sits. Utilize the chiseled edge of the tool to remove any putty that is accumulated around the edge.
After the new pane is in place, press the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the seam where it meets the glass. Apply another cord of glaziers compound to the 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 a primer designed to prevent rust.
Cracks
Even though it is rare double glazing cracks can occur suddenly, particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds shut during hot weather, and not open them too far when the sun is shining. this will prevent excessive heat from building up between the two panes of glass.
To prevent cracks from forming on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are well secured. Double glazed windows should be simple to open and close, without sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a little oil can help, as can adjusting the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just unsightly but also dangerous. If you find shards on the floor or cracks in the double glazing, it's recommended to contact an emergency glazier. It's better to replace the damaged glass than try and repair it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes of glass, this is a sign that your seals aren't functioning correctly and must be replaced immediately. A reputable glazier can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in dry agent (typically a desiccant) to remove any moisture. This can be a quick inexpensive and efficient 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 typical issue with older double glazing. It occurs when moisture from the air is pushed into the space between the panes and condenses during the night. This is a natural occurrence and not a sign of any defect in the windows or glass, but can be frustrating for homeowners as it stops the double glazing performing as effectively as it ought to.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to allow air to flow, removing any condensation in your home. The addition of this feature will also help to keep heat in the house and help reduce energy bills in the long run.
A professional can often resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from immediately you begin having issues. It is important 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 examine the situation and resolve any issues before they get worse. It is recommended that all communications be written. This can be done through email or a letter.
It is possible to repair some things yourself, but it is usually faster and more efficient to work with an expert. This is particularly true for problems that require specialist equipment. Furthermore professionals 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 due to their the efficiency of energy, lower the noise levels in the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They also help reduce condensation, which is a common reason for the growth of mould. If they're not installed correctly, air can easily escape through the gaps between the glass panes, causing draughts.
In double-glazed windows the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which helps to draw moisture from the gap, thus preventing interior condensation. Since the ability of the desiccant to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with double glazing that has been poorly made. However it can be easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar, and then 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 such as argon, may enhance the insulation properties more.
Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to install however they're generally worth the investment since they can reduce cooling and heating bills, help to protect furnishings from UV damage, and improve the value of your property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, make sure to work with an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits for homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It also reduces the possibility of draughts and mould building up on the window panes. But, they're not impervious to damage and issues can occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can repair most issues with double glazing repaired instead of replacing them and save yourself the expense and hassle of having new windows fitted.
Double glazing owners often have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the upvc window repairs case it is essential to contact a professional to arrange for an installer to visit and make the repairs required.
A window that isn't easy to close or open could be a source of trouble. This could be due heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling down the mechanism and lubricating handles and hinges. Or, it could be that the frame has dropped or sagged and needs to be re-aligned.
The misting can be fixed easily. This happens because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes in place wear out with time. The frames can move little by little as time passes and the material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be treated by drilling holes in the affected glass and removing moisture from inside. This is a temporary fix and must be repeated. A better long-term fix is to put trickle vents into your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let any warm air escape.