Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. In time, it may develop problems like misting and condensation.
This can be caused by many factors, but it is usually due to the seals not being airtight. This results in an absence of the gases that are used to insulate and are located between the glass panes. It is beneficial to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball or a stone that is thrown can cause a double-glazed window to break. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between two panes of the glass, reducing the insulation and resulting in higher energy bills. If both windows are cracked and you're in need of a professional to replace the windows.
However, if one the panes has been broken, but not completely shattered it could be possible to repair it. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Then using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using a heating gun, take out the loose putty from the edges of the glass that has been broken. Place a piece of aluminum foil on adjacent panes to keep them from cracking as the putty is removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane, grease a glass-cutting machine (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or another lightweight oil. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, roughly 1 inch from the edge. Then, put the glass in the rabbets (the grooves with an l) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to remove any putty that is accumulated around the edges.
Apply glazier's tips to the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compound over the glass-frame joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made from metal then you can paint the joints using a primer that is designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Although it's not common, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure differences between two panes, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds shut in hot weather, and to avoid opening the blinds too much when the sun shines. This will stop excessive heat from building between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows ensure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles, are secured. A good double glazed window should also be easy to open and close with no sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a little oil can assist, as could adjusting the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
It's important to keep in mind that a damaged window is not just ugly but also risky. If you find cracks in your double glazing and see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, call an emergency glazier right away as it's likely to be best to replace the broken pane of glass completely instead of fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, it is a sign that your seals aren't working properly and should be replaced immediately. A reputable glazier can drill into your sealed unit and inject or pump dry agent, usually a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a quick, cheap and effective solution to this issue. Be upvc door repair near me that this is an interim solution and you'll have to replace the windows in the near future.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture in the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then evaporates at night. This is a natural phenomenon that doesn't indicate any problem with the windows or glass. However it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from working effectively as it should.
The solution is to add vents or trickle vents to the frame and allow air to flow through, eliminating any condensation that may build up within your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the house and help reduce energy bills in the long term.
Sometimes, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill tiny holes into the window to eliminate any trapped moisture, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
Contact the company through which you purchased your double glazing as soon as any issues occur. This is to ensure that they send a technician out to check the situation and resolve any issues before they become worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are written down, such as an email or letter because this makes it easier for you to challenge any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to fix certain issues yourself, however it is usually quicker and more efficient to employ an expert. This is particularly the case for issues that require specialist equipment. A professional can also provide the guarantee of their work, which you might not receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that can be heard inside the home, and protect furniture from damage caused by ultraviolet light. They can also reduce condensation, which is a common cause for mould. If they're not properly installed, air can easily get through the gaps between the glass panes, leading to drafts.
In double-glazed windows, the space between the two panes is filled with an gas that is insulating. The spacer bar is usually filled with an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent interior condensation. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to form between the panes of glass. This is a common issue with double glazing that's badly made. However it is easily resolved by drilling holes in the glass or spacer bar and putting in humidifiers.
The space between two panes in a double-glazed window acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from getting into your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas like argon, could increase the insulation properties even more.
Double-glazed windows cost more money to install than single-glazed windows but are usually worth the cost as they reduce your heating and cooling costs, protect your furnishings from UV damage, and increase the value of the property. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, work with an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a quality IGU without removing the frames and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits to homeowners. it improves energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also help to reduce the chance of draughts and mould building up on windows. But, they're not impervious to damage and problems do sometimes occur. It's worth remembering that you can usually have most problems with double glazing repaired rather than replaced, saving you the cost and hassle of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners often have to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case, it's crucial to contact an expert as soon as possible to set up an appropriate time for a window installer to come and carry out the repairs required.
A window that is difficult to close or open could also be a problem. This could be due to heat, or because the mechanism has become stiff as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges or handles in the event that this is the cause. It could also be the case that the frame is slightly sagging or has dropped and requires re-alignment.
The misting can also be easily fixed. The seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. This is usually caused by the frames moving in a slight manner as they age and compacting the specific packaging material that holds them in place. This results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.
Drilling holes into the affected glass is a way to eliminate moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be repeated. The best long-term solution is to put trickle vents in your frames. This will allow fresh air to circulate but won't let any of the warm air escape.