Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. However, with time, it can develop issues like condensation or misting.
This could be due to a variety of causes, but usually due to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to an increase in the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing will help.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a loose lawnmower ball, or a stone thrown can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. When this happens it is possible that cold or hot air can move more easily between the two panes of glass and your home becomes less insulated and causing higher energy bills. If both windows are cracked and you're in need of an expert to repair the windows.
If one of the panes is cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be possible to repair it. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Then using a painter's instrument and gradually warming it using the help of a heat gun, you can remove the putty that is loose around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Use aluminum foil to prevent adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane grease a glass-cutting machine (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or another light oil. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, about 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass to fit into the rabbets or grooves that form an l in the window frame in which it is placed. Then, use the tool's chiseled end to remove any excess 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 compounds to the frame-glass joint and smooth it out using the putty knife. If your windows are made from metal, you can paint the joints with an adhesive designed to prevent rust.
Cracks
Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. The cause is often due to differences in pressure between the two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature variations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds closed during hot weather and not open them too much when the sun is shining. this helps to prevent excess heat from building up between the two glass panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secure, especially at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double glazed windows should be easy to open and close and should not sag or stick. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a little oil can aid, as can adjusting the locks and screws to make sure they're tight enough.
Be aware that a damaged glass window can be dangerous. If you find shards on the floor or a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It is better to replace the damaged glass rather than attempt to repair it.
Also, any condensation that occurs between the two panes of glass suggests that there's an issue with your seals, and should be fixed straight away. A professional glazier 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 is a fast and cost-effective solution. But be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will have to replace your windows in the future term.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern with older double glazing. It happens when air moisture is drawn into the gap between the panes, and then is able to condense during the night. This is a normal phenomenon and not indicative of any defect in the glass or windows, however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners as it stops the double glazing from working as effectively as it is supposed to.
Add vents or trickle-vents to the frame to let air flow, preventing condensation in your home. windows repair will aid in keeping heat inside the house and reduce energy costs in the long term.
A professional will usually be able to fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will make tiny holes in the window to expel any moisture that has been trapped, and then apply an anti-fog 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 fix any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This can be done via email or a letter.
It is possible to fix certain issues yourself, however it is usually quicker and more efficient to work with an expert. This is particularly true for problems that require specialist equipment. A professional will also offer the guarantee of their work, which you may not get if you try to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular due to their improved efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels inside the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They can also reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. However, if they're not properly installed, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes, causing drafts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between two panes is filled with an gas that acts as an insulation. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant, which assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, preventing the formation of condensation inside. However, as the desiccant loses its ability to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's badly made. However it can be easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and inserting an humidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulator by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to inside your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas, such as argon, can enhance the insulation properties more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed windows but are usually worthwhile as they lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of a quality IGU without removing existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has many advantages for homeowners. It increases the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It can also reduce the possibility of draughts and the growth of mould on your window panes. They are not indestructible and occasionally, issues can be encountered. You can repair the majority of double glazing issues rather than replacing them, thereby saving money and the inconvenience of having new windows installed.
One of the most common problems that homeowners with double glazing experience is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the case, it's important to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to set up an appropriate time for a window fitter to visit and complete the necessary repairs.
Another issue occurs when windows become difficult to open or close. This may be due to heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges or handles to resolve the issue. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has dropped or sagged and requires to be re-aligned.
Misting is also a problem that can be easily repaired. This is because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes in place break down over time. This is often caused by the frames moving in a slight manner as they age and the specific packaging material that keeps them in place, which then leads to one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass affected and then removing the moisture inside. This will only be an interim solution and will likely require repeated. A better solution for the long run is to install trickle vents into your frames. This will allow fresh air to circulate but won't let any warm air escape.