Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing can be an investment that will benefit your home. However, over time, it could develop issues like misting or condensation.
This could be due to a number of reasons, but it is typically due to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to a loss in the gas that acts as an insulation between the glass panes. Finding out how to fix your double glazing could help.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a loose lawnmower ball, or a stone dropped can cause a double glazed window to shatter. This allows heat or cold to pass more easily between the two panes of glass, reducing the insulation and resulting in higher energy costs. If both windows are shattered and you're in need of a professional to replace them.
However, if one the panes has cracked, not completely shattered it could be able to be repaired. First take the glass from the frame while wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then using a painter's instrument and gradually warming it with a heat gun, remove the loose putty around the edges of the broken glass. Apply a piece or aluminum foil on adjacent panes to stop them from fracturing when the putty is removed.
When the frame is ready for a new pane, lubricate the cutter on the cheap glass cutting tool -- available in most hardware stores -- using light oil such as WD-40. Cut the glass along the perimeter, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently shift the glass to fit into the rabbets or l-shaped grooves in the window frame in which it is placed. Utilize the chiseled edge of the tool to remove any excess glue around the edge.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compounds to the frame-glass joint and smooth it out using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints with an anti-rust primer specifically designed specifically for your particular type of metal.
Cracks
Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. The cause is often due to pressure differences between the two panes of glass, caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed during hot weather, and to avoid opening the blinds too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows, make sure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are secured. Double-glazed windows must be easy to shut and open without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can help. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure they are secure enough.
It is important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just ugly but also dangerous. If you notice shards of glass on the floor and cracks in the double glazing, it is recommended to contact an emergency glazing expert. It is more beneficial to replace the damaged glass rather than attempt to repair it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, this is an indication that the seals are not working correctly and must be fixed immediately. A reputable glazier can drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump dry agents, such as a desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This can be a quick, cheap and effective solution to this issue. Be aware that this is only an interim solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem with older double glazing. It happens when moisture from the air is pulled into the gap between the panes and condenses during the night. This is a natural occurrence that does not signal any issues with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
The best solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame, allowing air to flow through, removing any condensation build up within your home. This will also keep the heat in your home and lower energy bills over time.
A professional can often resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. They'll make tiny holes in the window to eliminate any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company you bought your double glazing from when you begin having issues. It is crucial to contact the business you bought your double glazing from the moment you start experiencing issues. repairing upvc windows will allow them to send a technician to inspect the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This can be done via email or letter.
It is possible to fix certain issues yourself, however it is usually quicker and more efficient to work with a professional. This is especially applicable to issues that require specialized equipment. A professional will also offer a guarantee on their work, which you might not get if you try to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise heard inside the home and prevent damage to furnishings from ultraviolet light. They also help reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. However, if they're not installed correctly, it is easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes, causing drafts.
In double glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant, which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing internal condensation. However, when the desiccant is no longer able to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a common issue with double glazing that's badly made. However, it can be easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and putting in a humidifier.
The space between the two panes of glass in a double-glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas, such as argon, may improve the insulating properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows, but are often worth it as they can reduce your heating and cooling costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and also increase the value of your home. If you're considering having double glazed windows installed at your residence, make sure you choose an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing technology allows you to enjoy all the benefits of an IGU without removing existing frames and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also reduce the chance of draughts or the growth of mould on your window frames. But, they're not impervious to damage and there are times when problems can arise. You can repair most problems with double glazing instead of replacing them, which will save you money and the inconvenience of replacing windows.
One of the most common issues that people who own double glazing experience is having to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the case, it's essential to contact an expert as quickly as possible to arrange an appointment for a window fitting professional to visit and complete the necessary repairs.
A window that isn't easy to open or shut can 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, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges and handles. It could also be that the frame is dropping or sagging and needs to be realigned.
The misting could also be fixed easily. This is because the rubber seals that hold the two glass panes in place break down as time passes. The frames can move in a slight manner over time and the packaging material that holds them in place compacts. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling holes into the affected glass and removing moisture from inside. This will only be an interim solution and will likely need repeating. A better solution for the long run is to add trickle vents in your frames, which allows fresh air to flow in but will not let any warm air escape.