How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

Typically double glazing comes with a guarantee of either 10 or 20 years. If your double-glazed windows are showing signs of aging, you may be entitled to have them repaired under warranty.

Double glazed window repair involves replacing the seal on your existing glass. The misting is a clear indication that the seal is broken and you will need to get it repaired.

Damaged Glass

A seal that is airtight is essential for double pane windows to function effectively. The most frequent sign that a seal may be not working is when condensation forms between the glass plates. Condensation that forms between glass plates is not a major problem and can be fixed however it is an indication that your glazing unit needs replacing. If you have an older double glazed window, it could mean replacing both the glass and the frame. If the frame is in good shape however, you could usually save money by replacing just the glazing.

Glass is fragile and it's not unusual for double-pane windows to develop cracks as time passes. If the cracks aren't caused by mechanical damage or an unusual impact, it's usually possible to repair these cracks using epoxy and small amount of elbow grease. Begin by cleaning over the cracked area using a moist cotton rag and then apply epoxy to the crack following the instructions of the manufacturer. Allow the epoxy to completely dry before sanding down and painting over the repaired area.

It is also possible to stop cracks from spreading by using the use of a strip of masking tape. A single strip of tape on both sides of the crack area should be enough to stop superficial cracks, like stress cracks caused by low temperatures, from worsening. If you're dealing more serious cracks that are already forming in your glass, it may be advisable to consult an expert to ensure the security of the repair.

Removing one pane of double-pane window glass is a dangerous and challenging DIY task. Double-paned windows are constructed as a whole unit and sealed with inert gases in the factory. It is therefore impossible to remove only the glass without damaging the window. If you're planning to replace glass in your double-pane windows, make sure you choose a reputable brand that is backed by a long-lasting warranty.

It's also a good idea to pad the window frame with newspaper before you attempt to remove the sash and replace any damaged glass. This will protect yourself from sharp shards that might fall in the process, and it'll also help to avoid any damage to the trim of your home or molding.

Condensation Build-Up

It's good to know that condensation in the windows can be normal. It's caused by a disparity between the temperature of air and humidity levels that cause water vapour in the air to condense when it touches cold and impervious surfaces like windows. This is usually a great thing in winter, as it prevents loss of heat.

If your windows look like they are cloudy and have a thin layer of water on them, you must contact a professional glazier. This is an indication that the air gap seal between the two glass panes has started to degrade and allowing moisture into the window.

You can stop this by using dehumidifiers, improving ventilation, or by applying de-icing agents. Additionally, there are specialist companies who will repair condensation build-up in double-glazed windows by drilling holes in the window unit and then injecting or pumping a special desiccant in order to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a more complex procedure that requires the unit to be removed from the frame, allowing access to each glass pane and thoroughly cleaning them, then filling them with desiccant and sealing them up. This is usually an expensive option however, it's essential to make sure the company you choose to work with is insured and registered with FENSA.

It is crucial to remember that altering your double-glazed windows isn't advised and will cause the windows to be damaged and invalidate any warranties. If you have a warranty on your windows It is recommended to notify the company of any problems as they'll be responsible for the replacement of any defective units under warranty. Also, any damage incurred by tampering is likely not be covered under your warranty either, therefore it's best to seek advice from a professional before making any DIY repairs. This is especially applicable to older units as they can sometimes be more susceptible to failure. It's best to replace the entire glazed panel in case this happens. You'll then have brand-new windows that will last for many years.

Scratches

It is not uncommon for double-glazed windows to be impacted by scratches on their surface. This could be the result of environmental conditions or even caused by the way the window was initially installed.

Thankfully, most of these scratches are superficial and can be easily repaired by using a few home remedies that you can do yourself. If you can feel the scratches on your windows using your fingernail or when they are very deep, you should seek out an expert to repair the glass to its original state.

These scratches occur by objects like pet nails, tree branches and cleaning products which are abrasive rub against the glass of your windows. Often, these scratches can be cleaned with some non-abrasive solutions like iron oxide polishes or cerium oxide, but you'll have to keep using until the scratch is not visible anymore.

Scratches can also be caused by sanding wood trim around your windows and may occur during construction work. They are difficult to repair, but the use of baking soda mixed with water should help smooth the surface and eliminate any remaining scratches.

For deeper scratches, you can use polish for metal to smooth the area and remove them. Add a small amount of it to cotton balls or a clean microfibre cloth and gently rub the area in a circular motion. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can cause further damage to the window. After the area has been smoothed, use a wet cloth to remove any polish residue left.

Consider purchasing a non-abrasive special glass polish if you have an extremely deep scratch that you can't remove. This can be bought at any DIY store and must be applied according to the directions on the packaging. You can also use nail polish to cover any superficial scratches that may appear on the glass. Ensure that the nail polish is clean and only applied to the scuffed area of your window.

Haze

Haze in your double pane window is an indication that the airtight seal between the two panes of glass has deteriorated. It's important to have this repaired quickly to avoid ending having dirt and moisture build-up between the panes. This could damage the glass and decrease its transparency.

There are a number of ways to eliminate haze from your double pane windows. Use a defogging agent. However, this is only a temporary solution. If you're looking for a permanent solution, get in touch with a professional glazing business that can repair the problem and replace the gaskets if needed.

A carbide-tipped instrument can be used to drill small holes in the frame of the window to eliminate haze. You can then insert the desiccate packet inside these holes and rinse the window with ruby alcohol. The water will help clear the haze and clean the window.

It's essential to ensure your windows are maintained and regularly cleaned to prevent fogging. This will allow you to see through the double panes and enjoy a beautiful view from your backyard or at home. Additionally, making sure that your home is well ventilated can also be beneficial. This will ensure that any condensation is quickly removed, instead of letting it sit and reseal your window.

You should not only clean and maintain your windows on a regular basis, but also ensure that they're installed correctly. Installing your windows should only be done by a glass company with years of experience. This will ensure that the seals and gaskets are installed correctly and fit securely. It's also an ideal idea to have your windows repaired as soon as you can before they begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear. This will save you from expensive double pane window repairs.

In general, double glazed insulated windows are designed to last for around 20 years. They are designed to stand up to various weather conditions like extreme cold temperatures, heat and humidity as well as frequent openings and closings. It is essential to keep in mind that faulty installation or material can reduce the lifespan of double-glazed windows.