Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double-glazed windows "blow", insulating argon escapes and causes the window to lose energy efficiency. The good part is that blown double glazing can often be repaired without the need to replace your windows completely.

The most frequent sign of a damaged window seal is condensation or moisture between double-glazed windows. A professional can fix this issue, thereby preventing you from needing to replace the window.

Take off the Sash

Double-glazed windows are an excellent option to improve the appearance and value of your home. They can improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage by keeping cold and heat out. Double-glazed windows can help you save money on heating bills in Minnesota's winters that are brutal.

The main difference between single and double windows is that the space between the glass panes is filled with either air or an inert gas, like argon. This is a significant improvement in the insulation properties of your windows as they stop the transfer of heat through the glass. Selecting an inert gas with a low thermal conductivity, such as argon or Krypton which can help increase your window's insulating properties even further.

Double-glazed windows are also more secure than windows with a single pane. They are harder to break and can have modern security locking systems. They can also be equipped with laminated or toughened glass, making them more secure. Double glazed windows are more durable and less prone to sway in the wind or due to vibrations from heavy traffic, making them a good choice for older homes.

Double-glazed windows are also made of low-energy glass, which reduces the UV rays entering your home. This will protect your carpets, paintings, and furnishings from fading. This is especially useful if you have windows that are exposed to direct sun for most of the day.

Retrofitting an old sash window repair window with double glazing is cheaper than purchasing new windows. The exterior linings, cladding and opening mechanisms of your existing windows are not damaged, so the job is much less intrusive.

As an added bonus, the installation of double glazed windows is a lot faster than removing and replacing a window in its entirety. This means you can get the benefits of energy-efficiency and security enhancement, as well as reduced the glare and UV damage on your furniture for a less price.

Remove the Glass

In contrast to single pane windows double glazed windows have two glass panes separated by a spacer, and a layer of air that acts as insulation. This insulated glass unit (IGU) can be filled with gases such as argon or krypton for even more insulation. As time passes, these units can be damaged and cease to perform properly. It is important to remove any broken glass as safely and swiftly as you can.

It isn't easy to replace double-glazed windows on your own. You'll require specialized tools and experience. It is recommended to leave this job to a professional who will employ the correct safety equipment and follow the proper procedure to avoid injury.

This is particularly important since double glazed windows can be extremely fragile and can easily break or crack. To protect yourself while repairing your window, put on gloves that are protective and wear a respirator or mask. Make sure that the area around the window frame is free of debris and clean. Finally, you should put a thick layer of plastic over the frame that will be shaved by the deglazing tool to catch the pieces of glass that have broken and make it easier for you to remove them.

Apart from replacing broken glass, it's important to find indications that your double-glazed windows aren't functioning correctly. Draughty windows are one of the primary indicators that your IGU is blowing and is no longer providing adequate insulation. You can also notice if the windows are cloudy or there is condensation between them.

Double glazing isn't just an opportunity to save money on energy bills but also to shield your furniture from light and heat. Furniture can break and fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. However, double-glazed windows protect your furniture from direct sunlight and will reduce the amount of heat that comes into your home.

Double glazing that is energy efficient can enhance the value of a property. If you're looking to sell your home in the near future installing double glazing is a smart investment that will attract potential buyers.

Remove the Gaskets

Double glazing is a great way to increase the energy efficiency of your home, however it can wear out over time. Visible damage, draughts and condensation are all indications that it's time for you to repair or replace your double glazed windows.

The gasket is a key component of the window assembly. It is a neoprene-based rubber seal that cushions and shields the window from the elements. Gasket degradation is a leading cause of leaks, and water entering buildings. Fortunately, these seals can be replaced without replacing the whole window.

Gaskets can often be repaired by pressing them down and then pulling them out. This is much easier on uPVC frames than on aluminium or timber. If you are unable to remove seals on your own, you can use a builder’s knife to pry the seals apart until it is possible to grasp it with your fingers. After the seal is removed and Repairing Double Glazed Windows replaced, you can replace it with a new seal to ensure a tight fit and maximum effectiveness.

After the seals are replaced, the window beading must be removed. This can be done with either a putty knife, or a lead knife. Place the blade between the frame and the bead at the middle of the longest bead. This will give you the maximum leverage to separate the bead from the frame.

After removing the beading, you can take off the window glass. The gap between the two panes must be around 12mm, and it is important to fill the gap with Argon gas to ensure optimal thermal performance. A larger gap could be used to reduce noise levels however it will decrease the insulation performance of your windows.

After the frame is cleaned it's recommended to spray it with window cleaner prior to fitting the DGP. This stops the tape from instantly sticking to the glass, and gives you the chance to put it in the right way. To avoid any damage, it's worth wiping the seals of the rubber using a soft rag and a warm soapy liquid.

Close the Window

It could be time to reseal your double-glazed windows if notice that they're fogged up or have moisture between them. This type of problem is a clear indicator that the seal inside has failed to keep the insulating gases in. It is not unusual for the seal made of rubber that keeps in the insulating gases to wear out as time passes or due to inadequate installation.

A window specialist who is experienced will reseal each individual gap by applying a fresh seal. The technician will fill the gaps with silicone caulk. This will keep the cold out and the warm air in during winter. The caulk also stops bugs from getting into your home and it will stop moisture from entering your home too.

It is important to know that resealing an existing double-glazed window is not a DIY job, although it is possible to tackle it yourself. This is a time-consuming and laborious task that requires special tools to get rid of the old seal, then clean the area and then put in new caulk. To avoid injury and ensure the job is done correctly it is recommended to employ a professional complete the job.

There are certain situations where a double-glazed window is not repairable and will have to be replaced. This could be due to broken or cracked glasses, extensive damage to the frame or severe decay. It is recommended to consult a double glazing expert to find out what the best solution is in these instances.

Oftentimes, the misting of windows is an indication that the treatment of the glass in the factory has failed. The factory will treat the window with a low emissivity coating to reflect heat away, and it might inject argon gas for extra insulation. If these treatments fail, moisture can be allowed to enter the space between the glass panes and it may cause condensation. A professional can address this problem by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and injecting a dehydrating agent to get rid of the moisture. They then fill the space with a fresh insulating gas and reseal the gap without letting the gas escape.