Repairing Double Glazed Windows

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

This can be caused by various reasons, but it's usually due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to a loss of the insulating gases that sit between the glass panes. It is beneficial to understand how to fix double glazing.

Broken Panes

A loose ball from a lawnmower, a hurled stone or even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window repaire pane to shatter. In this case it is possible that cold or hot air can move more easily between the two panes of glass and your home becomes less well-insulated and increasing your energy costs. If both windows are cracked then it's time to contact an expert to repair them.

If one of the panes is damaged but is not completely broken it may still feasible to repair it. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Then using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using the help of a heat gun, you can remove the putty that is loose around the edges of the broken glass. Place a piece of aluminum foil on the panes that are next to it to prevent them from breaking as the putty is removed.

After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane, use a glass-cutting tool that is cheap to lubricate (available in many hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Cut the glass along the perimeter, roughly one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass inside the rabbets (the l-shaped grooves) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to take away any excess glue around the edge.

Press glazier's tips into the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then apply another cord of glazier's compound to the glass-frame joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows repaired - sneak a peek here - are made from metal it is possible to paint the joints with a primer designed to keep rust from happening.

Cracks

Although it's not common double glazing cracks can occur suddenly, particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes which can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's important to keep your blinds closed during hot weather, and not open them too far when the sun is shining - this will prevent excessive heat from building up between the two glass panes.

The best way to avoid cracks in your double-glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secure, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double glazed windows should be simple to open and shut without sagging or catching. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms could aid. You can also adjust the screws and locks to ensure that they are secured enough.

Be aware that a damaged glass window could pose a risk. If you have cracks in your double glazing and you can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier right away since it's best to replace the damaged glass completely rather than fixing it.

Additionally, any condensation between the two glass panes tells you that there's an issue with your seals and should be fixed immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation can drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant into the window to get rid of any moisture. This is a quick and inexpensive solution. Be aware that this is only an interim solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the near future.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. It happens when moisture from the air is pushed into the space between the panes and it condenses at night. This is a normal phenomenon and not indicative of any fault with the glass or windows however it can be a source of frustration for homeowners because it hinders the double glazing performing in the way it is supposed to.

The solution is to install vents or trickle vents to the frame to allow air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. This will also help keep the temperature in your home and lower energy bills over time.

Sometimes, a professional can fix the issue without having replace the entire window. They'll drill tiny holes into the window to let out any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.

Contact the company through which you purchased your double glazing as soon as issues arise. It is crucial to contact the business you bought your double glazing from the moment you notice problems. This will enable them to send a technician to inspect the situation and fix any issues before they get worse. It is also a good idea to keep all communications written down, such as an email or a letter, because this makes it easier to dispute any claims in the future.

While it is possible to carry out some repairs yourself, it's generally quicker and more effective to engage a professional to complete the task. This is especially the case for issues that require specialist tools. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you might 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, cut down on the amount of noise heard inside the home, and prevent damage to furnishings from UV light. They also help reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. If they aren't properly installed, air could easily get through the gaps in between the glass panes, leading to the air to draught.

In double-glazed windows two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, thus preventing internal condensation. However, windows repaired when the desiccant is no longer able to remove moisture from the spacer bar, windows repaired it's likely for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with poorly-made double glazing however it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer and after that, putting in the dehumidifier.

The space between the two glass panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas like argon, could improve the insulating properties even more.

Double-glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows for installation however, they're usually worth the investment as they can reduce cooling and heating costs, and help protect furniture from UV damage and can improve 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 take advantage of all the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing existing frames and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing offers many advantages for homeowners. It increases the efficiency of your energy use and reduces noise. It also helps reduce the possibility of draughts or mould building up on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and problems do sometimes occur. You can repair door most double glazing problems instead of replacing them, which will save you money and the hassle of replacing windows.

One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing experience is having to repair a door a leaking window seal. If this is the case, it's essential to get in touch with an expert as soon as possible to arrange an appointment for a window fitter to arrive and make the necessary repairs.

Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiffer over time. If this is the case, try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles and hinges. It could also be that the frame has dropped or sagged and needs to be aligned.

Misting is also a problem that can be easily repaired. This is because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together become weaker with time. This is usually caused by the frames moving slightly as they age and settling the special packaging material that holds them in place, which can result in one or both panes of your double glazing moving and breaking the seal.

Misting can be fixed by drilling into the affected glass and removing the moisture inside. This is a short-term solution though and is likely to need repeated. Installing trickle vents in your frames is a better long-term solution. They allow fresh air into the room, but they also block warm air from leaving.