Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. However, with time, it could develop issues like misting or condensation.
This can be caused by a variety of reasons but is usually due to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to an increase in the gas that acts as an insulation between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing will assist.
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 shatter. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between two layers of glass, reducing insulation and increasing the cost of energy. It's time to replace both windows if they're damaged.
If one of the panes has damaged but not completely broken, it is still feasible to repair it. First remove the old glass from the frame wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the loose putty from the broken edges of the glass with a painter’s tool, which you can warm with the aid of a heat gun. Use aluminum foil to prevent adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready to accept the new pane of glass, grease the cutter with a cheap glass cutting tool -- available in most hardware stores -- using light oil such as WD-40. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, put the glass in the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to remove any excess glue around the edges.
After the new pane is installed, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compounds 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 for your type of metal.
Cracks
Although it's not common, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut in hot weather and to avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from building up between the two panes of glass.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are secured. Double-glazed windows must be easy to open and shut and should not sag or stick. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a little oil can aid, as can making adjustments to the screws and locks to ensure they're secured enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window can be dangerous. If you find shards on the floor and cracks 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.
If you see condensation between the two panes, this is a sign that your seals are not working correctly and must be repaired immediately. A reliable glazier can drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agent, usually desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a simple inexpensive and efficient solution to this problem. Be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and you will need to replace your windows in the near term.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. Condensation happens when moisture in the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then condenses at night. This is a natural occurrence and not a sign of any defect in the glass or windows, however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it prevents the double glazing performing as effectively as it is supposed to.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to let air flow, removing any condensation in your home. This will help keep heat in the house and reduce energy costs in the long term.
A professional can often resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes into the window to release any trapped moisture and then apply an antifog coating.
It is recommended to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from when you begin having issues. It is essential to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to examine the situation and fix any issues before they get worse. It is recommended for all communication to be in writing. This is done via email or letter.
While it is possible to do some repairs yourself, it is generally faster and more efficient hiring a professional do this. This is especially true for problems that require specialized equipment. Additionally, a professional will typically provide a warranty for their work that you won't necessarily receive when you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular because they improve the efficiency of energy, lower noise levels within the home, and protect furniture from UV radiation. They also help reduce condensation, which is a common reason for the growth of mould. If they're installed correctly, it is easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes which can cause draughts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between the two panes is filled with an insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant, which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, preventing internal condensation. The desiccant's capacity to eliminate moisture from spacer bars diminishes and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that has been poorly made. However it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and inserting an humidifier.
The space between two panes of glass in a double-glazed windows acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from getting into your home. The insulation efficiency can be enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas such as argon to fill in the gaps.
Double-glazed windows are more expensive to install than single-glazed ones but are usually worth the cost as they lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and boost the value of the property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, make sure you choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing technology allows you to reap the benefits of an IGU without having to remove the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing has numerous benefits for homeowners. It improves the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It can also reduce the chance of draughts or the build-up of mould on your window panes. However, they aren't indestructible and issues can occur. double glazing window repairs can repair most double glazing problems rather than replacing them, saving you money and the hassle of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners typically have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the situation, it is important to contact a professional to arrange for an installer of windows to visit and make the repairs needed.
A window that is difficult to open or shut can also be a problem. This may be due to heat, or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges or handles to resolve the issue. It could also be that the frame has fallen or sagged, and requires to be adjusted.
The misting can also be repaired easily. The rubber seals that hold the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames can move little by little as time passes and the packaging material that keeps them in place expands. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.
Misting can be corrected by drilling holes in the glass affected and then removing moisture from inside. This is a temporary fix and will need to be repeated. The best long-term solution is to put trickle vents into your frames. This allows fresh air to enter but won't let any warm air escape.