Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a great investment in your home. However, over time it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.
The cause can be due to many reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to a loss of the gases that are used to insulate and are located between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing will help.
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 break. In this case the cold or hot air can move more easily between the two panes glass, making your home less insulated and increasing your energy costs. It's time to replace both windows if they are broken.
However, if one of the panes has been cracked, not completely shattered it could be able to be repaired. First, remove the old glass from the frame wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the putty that is loose from the cracked edges of the glass with a painter's tool that you can warm using a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to protect the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
Once the frame is ready for the new pane, you need to lubricate the cutter on the cheap glass cutting tool -- available in most hardware stores -- using light oil such as WD-40. Cut along the edges of the glass, about one inch from the edge. Then, gently move the glass to fit into the rabbets, the grooves that are shaped like an l, in the window frame where it sits. Then, use the tool's chiseled edge to rake away any excess putty off the edge of the glass.
Press glazier's tips into the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compound to the glass-frame joint and smooth it out using the putty knife. If your windows are metal paint the joints using an anti-rust primer specifically designed specifically for the type of metal you have.
Cracks
Although it is not common the possibility of a cracking in your double glazing could occur - particularly in older windows. The reason for this is usually due to pressure differences between the two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is important to keep blinds shut in hot weather, and to not open them up too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secured, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double-glazed windows should be simple to open and close without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms may assist. glass window repair can also adjust the screws and locks so they are secure enough.
It's important to remember that a damaged window is not just unsightly, but can be very dangerous. If you find cracks in your double glazing and you can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier since it's better to replace the damaged pane of glass completely rather than repair it.
If you see condensation between the two panes, this is a sign that your seals aren't working correctly and must be repaired immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation can drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a fast and cheap solution. Be aware that this is an interim solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double glazing. It happens when air moisture is drawn into the gap between the panes and is able to condense during the night. This is a natural phenomenon and not indicative of any issue with the windows or glass, but it can be a problem for homeowners since it prevents the double glazing from working properly as it should.
The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame, allowing air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. This will also help keep the heat in your home and lower the cost of energy over time.
A professional is often able to fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes through the window in order to release any trapped moisture and then apply an antifog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This is to ensure that they send a technician out to assess the situation and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to have all communication in writing, such as an email or a letter, as this will make it easier to dispute any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to fix some things yourself, but it is typically faster and more efficient to work with a professional. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require specialist tools. In addition an expert will usually provide a warranty 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 because they improve energy efficiency, reduce noise levels within the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They can also help minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they are not properly installed, air could easily escape through the gaps between the glass panes, leading to draughts.
In double-glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that helps to draw moisture from the gap, which prevents interior condensation. However, when the desiccant is no longer able to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's possible for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with poorly-made double glazing, but it can be easily repaired by drilling holes into the glass or spacer, and then inserting a dehumidifier.
The space between two panes of glass in a double-glazed windows acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from entering your home. The insulation efficiency is enhanced 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 for installation however they're generally worth the investment as they reduce heating and cooling bills, help to protect furnishings from UV damage and boost the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows at your residence, make sure to choose an experienced and skilled installer like 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 benefits to homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or the growth of mould on windows. However, they're not indestructible and issues can occur. You can repair most double glazing problems instead of replacing them, which will save you money and the inconvenience of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners typically have to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case, it's crucial to contact an expert as soon as you can to schedule a suitable time for a window fitting professional to arrive and make the required repairs.
Another issue occurs when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This may be due to heat, or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating the handles and hinges. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and requires to be aligned.
The misting could also be fixed easily. The seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together wear down over time. The frames are prone to shifting slightly over time and the packaging material that holds them in place compacts. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Misting can be treated by drilling into the affected glass and removing the moisture inside. This is only a temporary solution and should be repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is a better long-term solution. They let fresh air to enter the room, while preventing warm air from escaping.