Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is a great investment in your home. In time, it may cause problems such as misting or condensation.

It can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. This causes an absence of the insulating gases that are located between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to repair double glazing.

Broken Panes

A accidental ball from the lawnmowers or a stone thrown at it even a claw from a cat can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. This allows cold or heat to pass more easily between two layers of the glass, reducing insulation and increasing energy bills. It's time to replace both repairing windows if they are damaged.

If one of the panes has damaged but is not completely broken it may still possible to repair. First, remove the old glass from the frame while wearing gloves and safety glasses. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it with the help of a heat gun, you can remove the loose putty from the edges of the glass that has been broken. Use aluminum foil to shield adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.

Once the frame is ready for a new pane, lubricate the cutter on the cheap glass cutting tool -- found in many hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Score around the perimeter of the glass, about one inch from the edge. Then, gently shift the glass to fit into the rabbets, the grooves that form an l in the window frame where it sits. Then utilize the tool's chiseled tip to scrape any remaining putty off the edge of the glass.

Apply glazier's tips to the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Apply a second cord of glaziers compound to frame-glass joints and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made from metal it is possible to paint the joints with a primer designed to keep rust from happening.

Cracks

Although it's rare cracks in double glazing can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. The reason for this is usually due to pressure differences between the two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature variations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and not open them too far when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.

To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows ensure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles are secured. A well-constructed double glazed window should also be easy to open and close with no sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a small amount of oil could aid, as can adjusting the locks and screws to ensure they're secure enough.

It's important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just ugly, but can be very dangerous. If you have a crack in your double glazing and can see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier as it's probably better to replace the damaged pane of glass completely instead of fixing it.

Additionally, any condensation between the two glass panes indicates that there is an issue with your seals, and must be addressed immediately. A reliable glazier can cut into the seal and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a quick and cost-effective solution. Be aware that this is only temporary solution and Repairing Double Glazed Windows you'll need to replace your windows in the near future.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture in the air is drawn into the space between the glass panes, and then evaporates at night. This is a natural phenomenon that doesn't indicate any issue with the windows or glass. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from operating in the way it should.

Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to let air flow, eliminating any condensation that may be present in your home. Adding this will also help to keep heat in the house and help reduce energy costs in the long run.

A professional can often resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to eliminate any moisture that has been trapped, and Repairing Double Glazed Windows then apply an anti-fog coating.

It is recommended to contact the company you bought your double glazing from when you begin experiencing issues. This is so that they can send out a technician to investigate the issue and resolve any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are in writing, such as an email or a letter, as this will make it easier to challenge any claims in the future.

While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it's generally faster and more efficient hiring a professional complete the task. This is especially applicable to issues that require specialist equipment. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you may not receive if you try to fix the double glazing by yourself.

Draughts

Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular because they increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that can be heard in the home and protect furniture from damage caused by UV light. They also help reduce condensation, which is a common reason for the growth of mould. If they aren't properly installed, air can easily leak through the gaps between the glass panes, causing drafts.

In double-glazed windows the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bar usually contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. However, when the desiccant loses its ability to remove moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to develop between the panes of glass. This is a typical issue with double glazing that is not properly made, but it can be fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and then putting in a 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 into your home. The insulation performance can be enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas like argon to fill in the gaps.

Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed ones however, they are usually worth the cost as they lower your heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and boost the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, you should consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to reap the benefits of a quality IGU without removing the frame and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing has many benefits to homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also help to reduce the possibility of draughts or mould forming on window panes. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. It's important to remember that you can usually have most problems with double glazing repaired, rather than replaced which will save you the expense and disruption of having new windows installed.

One of the most frequent problems that owners of double glazing face is the need to windown repair a leaking window repairs near me seal. If this is the case, it's essential to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to set up an appointment for a window fitter to visit and complete the necessary repairs.

A window that is difficult to close or open could be a source of trouble. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is becoming stiffer over time. If this is the case, you can try cooling down the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It may also be that the frame is dropping or sagging and requires realignment.

Misting is also something that can be easily repaired. This is because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes in place break down over time. This is usually caused by the frames moving slightly as they age and the particular packaging material that holds them in place. This then leads to one or both panes of your double glazing moving and breaking the seal.

Misting can be treated by drilling into the glass affected and then removing moisture from inside. This is an interim solution and will likely require repeating. The best long-term solution is to install trickle vents into your frames, which allows fresh air to enter but will not let any of the warm air escape.