Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. As time passes, it will cause problems such as misting or condensation.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, but it is typically due to the seals not being airtight. This results in loss of the insulating gases that sit between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing will assist.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, a loose lawnmower ball, or a stone thrown can cause a double glazed window to break. This allows cold or heat to move more easily between two panes of glass, reducing the insulation and causing higher energy costs. It's time to replace both windows if they're broken.
If one of the panes has cracked but not completely shattered it may still possible to repair. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame, wearing gloves and a pair of work glasses. Remove the loose putty from the edges that are broken of the glass with the painter's tool, which can be warmed by a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to protect adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.
When the frame is ready for the new pane of glass, make sure to lubricate the cutter using a cheap glass cutting tool -- available in most hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Score the glass around the perimeter, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass into the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Then, use the tool's chiseled tip to rake away any excess putty from the edges of the glass.
Press glazier's tips into the frame in intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Apply a second glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth using a putty blade. If your windows are made from metal, you can paint the joints with an adhesive designed to prevent rust.
Cracks
Although it's rare cracks in double glazing can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, that are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and not open them too far when the sun is shining - this prevents excess heat from accumulating between the two panes of glass.
The best way to avoid cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure that the frames are secure, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. Double-glazed windows should be simple to open and close and should not sag or stick. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a bit of oil may assist, as could changing the locks and screws to ensure they're secured enough.
It's important to remember that a damaged window is not just unsightly and can also be risky. If you find a crack in your double glazing and you can see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, call an emergency glazier since it's better to replace the damaged pane of glass completely rather than fixing it.
If upvc window repairs near me notice condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that your seals aren't working correctly and must be repaired immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation will be able to drill into the 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 cost-effective and affordable solution to this issue. However, be aware that this is only a temporary fix and that you will have to replace your windows in the future term.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue with older double glazing. It occurs when air moisture is drawn into the gap between the panes and is able to condense during the night. This is a normal phenomenon and not indicative of any issue with the glass or windows, but it can be a problem for homeowners as it stops the double glazing from working in the way it should.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to allow air to flow, eliminating any condensation in your home. This will also keep your home warm and cut down on energy bills over time.
A professional is often able to fix the problem without replacing the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to let out any moisture that is trapped and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing issues. It is crucial to contact the business you bought your double glazing from the moment you begin to experience problems. This will allow them to send a technician to inspect the situation and resolve any issues before they worsen. It is also a good idea to keep all communications in writing, such as an email or a letter, since this will make it easier to contest any claims in the future.
It is possible to fix some things yourself, but it is typically faster and more efficient to employ a professional. This is especially the case for issues that require the use of specialist tools. A professional can also provide a guarantee on their work, which you may not receive if you attempt to repair the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular due to their improved efficiency in energy use, reduce the noise levels in the home, and shield furniture from UV rays. They can also reduce condensation, which is a common reason for the growth of mould. If they're installed correctly, it is easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes and cause the draughts.
In double-glazed windows two glass panes are separated by a spacer bar, and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar usually contains a desiccant that helps to draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. However, as the desiccant is no longer able to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's possible for condensation to form between the glass panes. This is a common problem when double glazing is poorly made however it is easily fixed by drilling holes into 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 flow of cold air from outside into your home. The insulation performance is enhanced by using an inert low-conductivity gas such as argon to fill in the gap.
Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows but are usually worth the cost as they lower your heating and cooling costs, shield your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your property. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system lets you to take advantage of a premium IGU without removing your existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits to homeowners, it increases energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It also reduces the risk of draughts or the build-up of mould on your window panes. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. It's important to remember that you can typically have most problems with double glazing repaired rather than replaced, saving you the cost and disruption of having new windows fitted.
One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing encounter is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the case, it's essential to contact an expert as soon as possible to arrange a suitable time for a window installer to arrive and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue is when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism and lubricating hinges and handles. It could also be the case that the frame is dropping or sagging and requires re-alignment.
Misting is also a problem which can be easily fixed. The rubber seals that keep the two glass panes together will wear away over time. The frames can move 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 fixed by drilling into the affected glass and removing the moisture from within. This will only be temporary solution, and will likely need repeating. A better long-term fix is to install trickle vents inside your frames, which will allow fresh air to flow in but will not let any of the warm air escape.