Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a great investment for your home. Over time, it can develop problems like misting and condensation.
window repairs can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it's usually due to the seals not being airtight. This results in an absence of the insulating gases that are located between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing can help.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball, or even a stone that is that is thrown can cause a double-glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to pass more easily between the two panes of glass, which can result in lower the insulation and causing higher energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if broken.
However, if one the panes has broken, but not completely shattered It might be able to be repaired. First take the glass from the frame wearing gloves and safety glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the broken edges of the glass using the painter's tool, which you can warm with a heatgun. Put a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to stop them from fracturing after the putty has been removed.
When the frame is ready to accept a replacement pane, grease a glass-cutting machine (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Score around the perimeter of the glass, about an inch in from the edge. Then, place the glass in the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Utilize the chiseled edge of the tool to get rid of any putty that is accumulated around the edges.
Once the new pane is in place, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Apply a second glaziers compound to frame-glass joints and smooth with a putty blade. If windows are made of metal then you can paint the joints using a primer that is specifically designed to stop rust.
Cracks
Although it's rare double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure variations between two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is crucial to keep blinds shut in hot weather, and to avoid opening them up too often when the sun is shining. This will prevent excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows, make sure that the frames, particularly the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles, are secured. A quality double-glazed window should also be simple to open and close without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a little oil can aid, as can changing the screws and locks to ensure they're secure enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window could pose a risk. If you have a crack in your double glazing and see loose shards of glass on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier right away as it's probably best to replace the damaged glass completely rather than fixing it.
Also, any condensation that occurs between the two glass panes suggests that there's an issue with your seals, and must be addressed immediately. A reliable glazier can drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a fast, cheap and effective solution to this problem. However, be aware that this is a temporary fix, and you will have to replace your windows in the long 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 normal occurrence that doesn't indicate any issue with the glass or windows. However it can be very frustrating to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
Add vents or trickle-vents the frame to let air flow, removing any condensation in your home. This will also keep the temperature in your home and lower energy bills over time.
Often a professional can repair the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will drill a tiny holes through the window in order to release any trapped moisture and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems occur. It is crucial to contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing from the moment you notice problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to examine the situation and fix any issues before they worsen. It is also a good idea to have all communication written down, such as an email or letter, because this makes it easier to challenge any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to fix some things yourself, but it is typically quicker and more efficient to work with an expert. This is especially applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you may not get if you try to fix the double glazing by yourself.
Draughts
Double glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they increase energy efficiency, cut down on the amount of noise heard inside the home and protect furniture from UV light. They also reduce condensation which is a frequent cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, air could easily leak through the gaps between the glass panes, causing draughts.
In double-glazed windows, two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, thus preventing internal condensation. However, as the desiccant ceases to function to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to 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 in the glass or spacer and then putting in a dehumidifier.
The space between the two panes in a double-glazed window acts as insulator, preventing cold air from getting into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas such as argon, may enhance the insulation properties more.
Double glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows for installation however they're generally worth the investment since they lower cooling and heating costs, protect furnishings from UV damage and boost the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, you should consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and the cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits for homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also decreases the risk of draughts or mould building up on the window panes. But, they're not impervious to damage and issues can occur. It's worth remembering that you can repair most issues with double glazing repaired instead of replacing them, saving you the cost and hassle of putting in new windows fitted.
One of the most frequent issues that people who own double glazing experience is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the situation it is essential to contact a professional to schedule a window installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. It could be due to heat or the mechanism is getting stiffer over time. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It could also be that the frame is slightly sagging or has dropped and needs to be realigned.
The misting can be fixed easily. The rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. The frames are prone to shifting little by little as time passes and the packaging material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling into the glass affected and then removing the moisture inside. This is a temporary solution and will need to be repeated. A better solution for the long run is to add trickle vents into your frames, which will allow fresh air to enter but will not let warm air escape.
