Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an excellent investment for your home. As time passes, it will create problems such as misting and condensation.
This can be caused by various reasons, but it's usually due to the seals not being airtight. This results in loss of the gases that are used to insulate and sit between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball, or a stone that is thrown can cause a double glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to flow more easily between two layers of glass, which can result in lower insulation and increasing energy costs. If both windows are shattered then it's time to contact a professional to replace them.
If one of the panes is damaged but is not completely broken it may still possible to repair. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the edges that are broken of the glass using a painter’s tool, which you can warm with a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to protect the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
Once the frame is ready for a new pane, lubricate the cutter on a cheap glass cutting tool available at most hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Cut the glass around the perimeter, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, put the glass in the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Then utilize the tool's chiseled tip to remove any remaining putty off the edge of the glass.
Press glazier's tips into the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compound over the frame-glass joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints with a primer designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Even though it is rare cracks in double glazing can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. It's usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed during hot weather and to not open them up too often when the sun is shining. This will prevent excessive heat from building between the two panes.
The best way to avoid cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, especially on the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double glazed windows should be simple to open and close, without sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a small amount of oil could aid, as can making adjustments to the screws and locks to make sure they're tight enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a window that is cracked is not just unsightly, but can be very risky. If you notice a crack in your double glazing and see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier right away since it's best to replace the damaged glass completely rather than fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes of glass, this is an indication that your seals aren't functioning properly and should be fixed immediately. double glazing window repairs with a good reputation will be able to cut into the seal and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a quick inexpensive and efficient solution to this problem. Be aware that this is a temporary solution and that you'll have to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern with older double glazing. It occurs when air moisture is pushed into the space between the panes and then it condenses at night. This is a natural event and not an indication of any defect in the glass or windows but can be frustrating for homeowners because it hinders the double glazing performing as effectively as it is supposed to.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to allow air to flow, removing any condensation that may be present in your home. This will also help keep the heat in your home and lower energy costs over time.
A professional is often able to resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will drill a tiny hole into the window in order to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems arise. This is so that they can send a technician out to assess the situation and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to keep all communications in writing, such as an email or letter since this will make it easier for you to challenge 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 hire an expert. This is particularly true for problems that require specialist equipment. In addition professionals will usually provide a guarantee for their work, which 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 the noise levels in the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They can also help to reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. However, if they're not properly installed, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the panes of glass which can cause drafts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that acts as an insulation. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, thus preventing internal condensation. As the desiccant's ability to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that is not properly made, but it is easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer, and then putting in a dehumidifier.
The space between two panes of glass in a double-glazed windows serves as an insulation, preventing cold air from transferring into your home. The insulation efficiency can be improved even further by using an inert, low-conductivity gas, such as argon to fill the gap.
Double-glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the investment since they reduce heating and cooling costs, and help protect furniture from UV damage and can increase the value of your home. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, be sure you choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without having to remove your frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners, it improves energy efficiency and reduces condensation and noise. It also helps reduce the possibility of draughts or mould forming on window panes. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes 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 putting in new windows installed.
Double glazing owners typically have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case, it's crucial to contact an expert as soon as you can to schedule an appointment for a window installer to come and carry out the necessary repairs.
A window that is difficult to open or shut can be a source of trouble. This could be due to heat, or because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It could also be the case that the frame is slightly dropping or sagging and needs to be realigned.
The misting can be fixed easily. This happens because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear out with time. This is usually caused by the frames moving in a slight manner as they age and settling the special packaging material that keeps them in place. This then leads to one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling holes into the glass affected and then removing the moisture inside. This will only be a short-term solution though and is likely to need repeated. A better solution for the long run is to install trickle vents into your frames, which will allow fresh air to flow in but won't let warm air escape.