Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an investment that will benefit your home. However, with time, it can develop issues like misting or condensation.
This can be caused by a variety of reasons but is usually down to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to loss of the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. It is beneficial to understand how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a stray lawnmower ball, or a stone dropped can cause a double glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to pass more easily between two layers of glass, which can result in lower the insulation and resulting in higher energy bills. If both windows are shattered and you're in need of a professional to replace them.
However, if one the panes has broken, but not completely shattered it could be able to be repaired. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the cracked edges of the glass with a painter’s tool, which can be warmed by a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to shield the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane grease a glass-cutting machine (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, about an inch in from the edge. Then, gently shift double glazed window repairs into the rabbets, or the grooves that are shaped like an l, in the window frame where it sits. Then make use of the tool's chiseled end to remove any putty that is left over from the edge of the glass.
Put glazier's tips in the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass joins 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 from metal, you can paint the joints using a primer designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Although rare however, a sudden crack in your double glazing can occur, particularly in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure differences between two panes, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut during hot weather, and avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining - this helps to prevent excess heat from accumulating between the two glass panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, particularly the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles, are secured. A good double glazed window should also be simple to open and close, with no sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a small amount of oil could assist, as could changing the locks and screws to make sure they're tight enough.
Remember that a cracked glass window could pose a risk. If you find shards on the floor and a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It is better to replace the broken glass rather than attempting to repair it.
Likewise, any condensation in between the two glass panes tells you that there's an issue with your seals and should be fixed straight away. A reputable glassmaker can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in a drying agent (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a quick and cheap solution. But be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will need to replace your windows in the near in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture from the air is drawn into the space between the glass panes, and then condenses at night. This is a natural occurrence and not a sign of any fault with the windows or glass, however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners because it hinders the double glazing performing as effectively as it ought to.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to let air flow, eliminating any condensation in your home. This will also keep the heat in your home and cut down on energy costs over time.
A professional will usually be able to solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill a tiny hole into the window to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company you bought your double glazing from immediately you begin having issues. It is important to contact the company you purchased your double glazing from the moment you notice issues. This will enable them to send a technician out to inspect the situation and address any issues before they get worse. It is recommended that all communications be in writing. This is done via email or a letter.
While it is possible to do some repairs yourself, it is usually quicker and more effective to engage a professional to do this. This is especially true for problems that require specialist equipment. In addition, a professional will typically provide a warranty for their work, which you're not likely to receive if you try and fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to improve energy efficiency, reduce the amount of noise heard in the home and protect furniture from damage caused by ultraviolet light. They also help minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they're not properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps between the glass panes, causing draughts.
In double glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar usually contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. However, when the desiccant is no longer able to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to develop between the panes of glass. This is a common issue with double glazing that's been poorly constructed. However it can be easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and putting in humidifiers.
The space between two panes of a double-glazed window acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from transferring into your home. The insulating performance can be improved even further 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 to install, but they're often well worth the investment as they can reduce cooling and heating costs, and help protect furniture from UV damage and improve the value of your property. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows into your home, work with an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a premium IGU without having to remove your frame and the cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many benefits to homeowners, it improves energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It also helps reduce the possibility of draughts or mould building up on window panes. However, they aren't indestructible and issues can occur. It's important to remember 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.
One of the most frequent problems that homeowners with double glazing face is the need to repair a leaking window seal. If this is the situation it is essential to speak with a professional in order to arrange for a window installer to visit and make the repairs required.
A window that is difficult to open or shut can also be a problem. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges and handles. It could also be that the frame is slightly sagging or has dropped and requires realignment.
The misting can also be easily fixed. This is because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear out as time passes. This is often caused by the frames moving in a slight manner as they age and compacting the specific packaging material that holds them in place, which then leads to one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling into the affected glass is a way to eliminate moisture. This is a temporary solution and must be repeated. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents into your frames, which allows fresh air to flow in but will not let any warm air escape.