Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing can be an investment that will benefit your home. However, over time it can develop issues like misting or condensation.

The cause can be due to many reasons, but it is typically due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to an absence of the gases that are used to insulate and repairing double glazed windows sit between the glass panes. It is helpful to know how to fix double glazing.

Broken Panes

A accidental ball from the lawnmowers or a stone that has been thrown around even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window repairing to shatter. This allows heat or cold to flow more easily between two panes of glass, reducing insulation and increasing the cost of energy. If both windows are shattered then it's time to contact a professional to replace them.

However, if one of the panes has damaged, but not completely broken, it may still be able to be repaired. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and work glasses. Remove the loose putty from the broken edges of the glass with a painter's tool that can be warmed by the aid of a heat gun. Apply a piece or aluminum foil over the glass to keep them from cracking when the putty is removed.

Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane, lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in many hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, approximately 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass into place in the rabbets or grooves that form an l in the window frame, where it will sit. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to remove any excess putty 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 another cord of glazier's compound to the frame-glass joint, and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made from metal then you can paint the joints using a primer that is designed to prevent rust.

Cracks

Although rare, a sudden crack in your double glazing could occur, especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure variations between two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed during hot weather and to be careful not to open the blinds too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.

The best way to avoid cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secure, especially at the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double-glazed windows must be easy to open and shut without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms could help. You can also adjust the screws and locks so that they are tight enough.

It's important to remember that a cracked window isn't just ugly and can also be risky. If you see shards on the floor, or a crack in the double glazing, it's best to call an emergency glazier. It is more beneficial to replace the damaged glass rather than attempt to repair it.

If you see condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that your seals aren't working properly and should be fixed immediately. A reliable glazier can drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This can be a simple inexpensive and efficient solution to this issue. Be aware that this is only a temporary fix and you will have to replace your windows in the future in the future.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem 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 normal occurrence that does not indicate any problem with the windows or glass. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from working as efficiently as it should.

The solution is to add vents or trickle vents to the frame to allow air to flow through, eliminating any condensation build up within your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the house and help reduce energy costs in the long term.

Most times, a professional can fix the problem without having to replace the entire window. They will drill a tiny holes through the window to let out any moisture that has been trapped and then apply an antifog coating.

Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as any issues arise. It is important to contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you notice problems. This will allow them to send a technician to inspect the situation and address any issues before they worsen. It is recommended for all communication to be written. This is done via email or letter.

It is possible to repair certain issues yourself, however it is typically faster and more efficient to work with an expert. This is especially true for any problems that require specialist tools. A professional can also provide a guarantee on their work, which you may not get if you try to fix the double glazing by yourself.

Draughts

Double glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular because they increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that can be heard inside the home and protect furniture from ultraviolet light. They also help reduce condensation, a common cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, it's easy for air to escape through the gaps between the panes of glass, causing the draughts.

In double-glazed windows two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with insulating gas. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, thus preventing the formation of condensation inside. However, when the desiccant is no longer able to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a common problem with double glazing that is not properly made but it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer, and then inserting the dehumidifier.

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 to inside your home. The insulation efficiency can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas such as argon to fill the gap.

Double-glazed windows repairs are more costly than single-glazed windows for installation, but they're often well worth the investment as they lower cooling and heating bills, help to protect furniture from UV damage and can boost the value of your home. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows for your home, you should consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing the frame and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing can bring many advantages for homeowners. It improves the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or mould forming on windows. They aren't impervious to damage and occasionally, issues can occur. It's worth remembering that you can door repair near me most issues with double glazing repaired, rather than replaced, saving you the cost and hassle of having new windows fitted.

One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing encounter is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the situation it is essential to contact a professional to arrange for an installer to come out and complete the repairs required.

A window that is difficult to close or open could be a source of trouble. This may be due to heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles or hinges if this is the problem. It could also be the case that the frame is dropping or sagging and needs to be realigned.

The misting can be repaired easily. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together wear out over time. The frames are prone to shifting slightly as time passes, and the packaging material that holds them in place compacts. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.

Misting can be treated by drilling holes into the affected glass and then removing the moisture from within. This is an interim solution and will likely need repeated. Installing trickle vents into your frames is the best long-term solution. They let fresh air to enter the room, but they also block warm air from getting out.