How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is usually covered by a warranty of 10 or 20 years. If your double-glazed windows begin to show signs of aging, you might be entitled for them to be fixed under warranty.

Double-glazed window repair involves re-sealing your existing glass unit. Misting is a clear indicator that the seal is broken and you will need to have it fixed.

Glass damaged

A seal that is airtight is essential for double pane windows to function effectively. Condensation between the glass plates is a typical sign of a failing seal. While condensation between glass is not a serious problem and can be fixed, it's typically a sign that the glazing unit is in need of replacement. If you have a double-glazed window that is older, it may be necessary to replace both the glass as well as the frame. If your frame is in good condition, you may be able to save money by simply replacing the glass.

Double-paned windows can crack due to the brittleness of glass. If the cracks were not caused by mechanical damage or a jarring impact to the window they can be fixed by using epoxy and elbow grease. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and clean the cracked area by using a damp cotton cloth. Then apply the epoxy to the crack. Allow the epoxy to fully dry before sanding down and painting over the repaired area.

A simple strip of masking tap can also be used to prevent cracks from spreading. A single strip of masking tape applied to each side of the crack should be sufficient to prevent superficial cracks from spreading, for instance stress-cracks caused by low temperatures. If you notice more severe cracks in your glass that are already present, it's recommended to consult a professional for the repair.

Removing a single pane of double-pane glass is a dangerous and challenging DIY job. Double-paned windows are manufactured as a whole unit and sealed with inert gas in the factory. It is therefore impossible to remove only the glass without damaging the window. If you are planning to replace the glass in your double-paned windows pick a manufacturer with a strong warranty.

It's also a good idea to pad the window frame with newspaper before you attempt to take off the sash, and then replace any broken glass. This will shield yourself from sharp shards that might fall on the way as well as to prevent any damage to the trim of your home or molding.

Condensation Build-Up

The good part is that condensation occurring between window panes is totally normal. It's caused by a disparity between the temperature of air and humidity levels, which causes water vapour to condense when it touches cold and impervious surfaces like windows. It's usually a good thing, especially in winter as it prevents loss of heat.

However, if you're finding that your windows are looking like they're cloudy, with a film of water on them, it's time to call in an experienced glazier. This is a sign that the seal between the two panes has begun to break down, allowing moisture into the window.

You can stop this from happening by making use of dehumidifiers, increasing ventilation, or applying de-icing agents. There are also professional companies that can help solve condensation issues in double-glazed windows by drilling holes in the window and injecting or pumping special desiccant to eliminate the excess moisture. This involves removal of the sealed unit from the frame and cleaning each glass pane before refilling the desiccant. This is usually a more expensive solution, but it's important to check that the business you choose is insured and registered with FENSA.

It is important to keep in mind that altering your double glazed windows is not recommended and could invalidate any guarantees. If you have a warranty on your windows it is recommended to notify the manufacturer of any problems as they will be responsible for replacement units under warranty. Also, any damage caused through tampering will likely not be covered under your warranty either, so it's better to seek advice from a professional before trying any DIY repair. This is particularly applicable to older units, because they're more prone than newer ones to fail. If this happens, it's best to replace the whole glass panel. The windows will then be brand new that will last many years.

Scratches

It is not uncommon for double-glazed windows to be impacted by scratches on their surface. This can be due to environmental factors, or even the way the window was put in place.

Many of these scratches are minor and can be easily fixed by using a few home remedies. If you feel scratches on your windows with your finger or nail, or when they are very deep, you should seek out an expert to restore the glass to its original condition.

Superficial scratches are caused by objects that scrape against the glass the windows' surface, such as pet claws, tree branches and abrasive substances used for cleaning. These scratches can often be removed with non-abrasive solutions such as iron oxide or polishes made of cerium dioxide. You will have to apply these products until the scratch disappears.

Scratches may also occur when you sand wood trim around your windows. They can also occur in the course of construction. These scratches are often difficult to repair. However, a mix of baking soda and water will aid in smoothing out the surface that has been buffed and remove any remaining scratch.

Metal polish can be used to eliminate deeper scratches. Add a small amount of it to cotton balls or a clean microfibre cloth and gently rub the affected area in a circular motion. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure, because this could cause further damage to the window. After the area has been smoothed then use a moist cloth to remove any remaining polish residue.

If you've got a particularly deep scratch that you just can't get rid of, think about purchasing some special non-abrasive glass polish. It is available at any DIY retailer. Follow the directions on the package. Alternatively, you can use nail polish to smooth the area and cover any small scratches on the glass of your window. Make sure that you only apply the nail polish to the area scuffed.

Haze

The presence of haze in the double-paned windows indicates that the seal between the two panes is broken. This should be repaired as soon as you can to ensure that moisture and dirt are not able to accumulate between the glass panes. This can cause damage to the glass and cause the glass's transparency being reduced.

There are a number of solutions to fix haze in your double pane windows. One option is to use a defogging spray. However, this is just an interim solution. If you're looking for a long-lasting solution, you'll need to contact a professional glazing company that can repair the problem and replace the gaskets, if necessary.

Another way to solve the problem of haze in double-glazed windows is to make small holes in the window frame, using a carbide-tipped drill. You can then tuck in a desiccate bag into these holes and rinse the window with rubbing alcohol. The water will help rid the haze and clean the window.

It is vital to ensure that your windows are maintained and regularly cleaned to prevent fogging. This will allow you to see through the double panes and enjoy a stunning view from your garden or home. In addition, ensuring that your house is ventilated will also be beneficial. This will help to ensure that any condensation is swiftly sucked away, rather than being allowed to settle and then reseal the window.

In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance You should also make sure that your windows are correctly installed. The installation of your windows must be done by a professional glazing company. This will help to ensure that the gaskets are installed properly and have a tight fit. It is a good idea to get your windows repaired as soon as you can before they start showing signs that they are wearing out. This will save you from costly double pane window repairs.

In general, double glazed insulated windows are designed to last around 20 years. This is because they are designed to withstand all kinds of conditions like extremely cold temperatures, extreme humidity, heat as well as repeated opening and closing. It is important to keep in mind that faulty installation or material can reduce the lifespan of double-glazed windows.