repairing windows Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. However, over time, it may develop issues such as misting or condensation.

It could be due to a number of causes, but usually due to the seals not longer being air-tight, causing loss of the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to repair double glazing.

Broken Panes

A stray ball from the lawnmowers, a hurled stone or even a claw from a cat can cause a double-glazed window pane to break. This allows cold or heat to pass more easily between the two panes of glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher the cost of energy. If both of the windows have cracked then it's time to contact a professional to replace them.

However, if one the panes has cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be possible to repair it. First remove the old glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Remove the putty that is loose from the edges that are broken of the glass using a painter's tool that you can warm using a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.

When the frame is ready to accept a new pane, make sure to lubricate the cutter using the cheap glass cutting tool available at most hardware stores -- with light oil such as WD-40. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, put the glass in the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edge of the tool to get rid of any excess glue around the edge.

After the new pane is in place, press the glazier's points into your frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compound over the frame-glass joint and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made from metal then you can paint the joints using a primer that is specifically designed to stop rust.

Cracks

Although it is not common however, a sudden crack in your double glazing may occur - particularly in older windows. The cause is often due to the difference in pressure between the two panes glass, which are caused by extreme temperature variations. This is why it's essential to keep your blinds closed during hot weather, and avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.

The best way to prevent cracks in your double-glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, especially at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double-glazed windows must be easy to shut and open without sagging or catching. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a small amount of oil could assist, as could changing the locks and screws to make sure they're tight enough.

It's important to remember that a damaged window is not just ugly and can also be risky. If you notice shards of glass on the floor and a crack in the double glazing, it is best to call an emergency glazier. It is better to replace the broken glass than try and repair it.

Likewise, any condensation in between the two panes of glass indicates that there is an issue with your seals, and must be addressed immediately. A reputable glassmaker can drill into the sealed unit to inject or fitted pump into dry agent (typically a desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This can be a simple inexpensive and efficient solution to this issue. But be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will need to replace your windows in the near in the future.

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 that does not indicate any issue with the windows or glass. However it can be very frustrating for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from working effectively as it should.

The best solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame, allowing air to flow through, thus removing any condensation build up in your home. This will also keep the temperature in your home and cut down on the cost of energy over time.

Most times, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire local window repair. They'll make tiny holes in the window to expel any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.

Contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems occur. This is so that they can send a technician out to check the situation and address any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or letter since this will make it easier to contest any claims in the future.

While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it is normally much quicker and more effective hiring a professional perform the work. This is especially applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. In addition professionals will usually provide a warranty for their work which you're not likely to receive when you attempt to repair the double glazing on your own.

Draughts

Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular due to their improved efficiency in energy use, reduce the noise levels in the home, and protect furnishings from UV rays. They can also help minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they're installed correctly, it's easy for air to leak through the gaps between the glass panes and cause the draughts.

In double-glazed windows the space between two panes is filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar typically contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap, preventing interior condensation. However, as the desiccant loses its ability to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to form between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that has been poorly constructed. However, it is easily resolved by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and putting in an humidifier.

The space between the two panes of glass in a double-glazed sash window repairs london acts as an insulation by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas such as argon, can increase the insulation properties even more.

Double-glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the cost as they lower cooling and heating bills, help to protect furniture from UV damage and can boost the value of your property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, be sure to choose a highly-experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing the frames and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing offers many benefits for homeowners. It increases the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It also decreases the possibility of draughts and mould building up on your window frames. They are not indestructible, and sometimes problems can be encountered. It's worth remembering that you can have most problems with double glazing repaired rather than replaced which will save you the expense and hassle of having new windows fitted.

Double glazing owners often have to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case it is crucial to speak with a professional in order to schedule a window installer to come out and complete the necessary repairs.

A window that isn't easy to close or open could also be a problem. It could be due to heat or the mechanism is becoming stiffer over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It could also be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and needs to be aligned.

Misting is another issue that can be easily repaired. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames are prone to shifting little by little as time passes and the material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.

Misting can be treated by drilling into the glass affected and then removing the moisture from within. This is an interim solution and will likely require repeated. A better solution for the long run is to install trickle vents inside your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but will not let warm air escape.