Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be a great investment in your home. Over time, it can create problems such as misting and condensation.
It could be due to a number of causes, but usually due to the seals not enough air tight, which can lead to an increase in the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It is beneficial to understand how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmower or a stone thrown at it even a claw of a cat could cause a double-glazed window pane to break. If this happens the cold or hot air can travel more easily between the two panes of glass and your home becomes less well-insulated and increasing your energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're damaged.
If one of the panes is damaged but is not completely broken it is still be repairable. First remove the old glass from the frame while wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it with a heating gun, take out the putty that is loose around the edges of the broken glass. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to prevent them from breaking as the putty is removed.
After the frame has been 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 along the perimeter, approximately 1 inch from the edge. Then, place the glass in the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to take away any excess putty around the edge.
When the new pane has been put installed, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Then apply another cord of glazier's compound to the glass-frame joint and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints with a primer that prevents rust. It is designed specifically for your particular type of metal.
Cracks
Although it is not common the possibility of a cracking in your double glazing can occur - particularly in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure differences between two panes, which can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's important to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and not open them too far when the sun is shining - this prevents excess heat from building up between the two panes of glass.
double glazing window repairs to avoid cracks in your double glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secure, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double-glazed windows should be simple to open and close and should not sag or stick. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a bit of oil may aid, as can adjusting the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
Be aware that a damaged glass window could pose a risk. If you have cracks in your double glazing and you can see loose shards of glass on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier immediately since it's better to replace the damaged glass completely rather than repair it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that your seals aren't functioning properly and need to be replaced immediately. A reputable glassmaker can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump into drying agents (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a fast inexpensive and efficient solution to this issue. But be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will need to replace your windows in the future in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. It occurs when the moisture from the air 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 issue with the glass or windows but can be frustrating for homeowners since it prevents the double glazing performing in the way it is supposed to.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents to the frame, allowing air to flow through, eliminating any condensation build up within your home. This will also keep the temperature in your home and cut down on energy bills over time.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll make tiny holes in the window to let out any moisture that has been trapped, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
Contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems occur. This is so that they can send a technician out to assess the situation and fix any issues before they get worse. It is a good idea that all communications be in writing. This is done via mail or letters.
While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it's generally quicker and more effective to hire a professional to do this. This is particularly applicable to issues that require specialized equipment. Additionally, a professional will typically provide a guarantee for their work, which you're not likely to receive if you try and fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their improved energy efficiency, 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 are not properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps in between the glass panes, leading to drafts.
In double-glazed windows two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing the formation of condensation inside. The desiccant's capacity to remove moisture from spacer bars decreases and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently when double glazing is poorly made, but it can be fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and then inserting the dehumidifier.
The space between two panes of a double-glazed window serves as an insulation, preventing cold air from transferring into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas like argon, could enhance the insulation properties more.
Double glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows for installation, but they're often well worth the cost as they lower cooling and heating bills, help to protect furnishings from UV damage and can boost the value of your home. 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 lets you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits to homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also decreases the risk of draughts or the build-up of mould on your window frames. However, they aren't indestructible and there are times when problems can arise. You can repair most double glazing problems rather than replacing them, saving you money and the hassle of replacing windows.
Double glazing owners are often required to fix a leaking 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 complete the necessary repairs.
Another issue is when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due to heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. If this is the case, try cooling down the mechanism and lubricating hinges and handles. It may also be that the frame is sliding or has fallen and needs to be realigned.
The misting can be fixed easily. The rubber seals that keep the two panes of glass together wear down over time. The frames tend to move slightly as time passes, and the packaging material that keeps them in place expands. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be treated by drilling holes in the glass affected and then removing moisture from inside. This will only be a short-term solution though and is likely to need repeated. Installing trickle vents in your frames is a better long-term solution. They allow fresh air to enter the room, but prevent warm air from leaving.