Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an investment that will benefit your home. In time, it may cause problems such as misting or condensation.
The cause can be due to various reasons, but it is usually due to the seals not being airtight. This leads to a loss of the insulating gases that are located between the glass panes. It can be helpful to know how to fix double glazing.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmowers or a stone thrown at it even a claw from a cat can cause a double-glazed window to break. If this happens, heat or cold air is able to travel more easily between the two panes glass and your home becomes less insulated and causing higher energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they are broken.
If one of the panes has cracked but not completely shattered it is still feasible 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 cracked edges of the glass using a painter’s tool, which you can warm with the aid of a heat gun. Use aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
Once the frame is prepared to accept a replacement pane lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in the majority of hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut the glass around the perimeter, roughly one inch from the edge. Then, place the glass into the rabbets (the grooves that resemble ls) in the window frame. Utilize the chiseled edge of the tool to take away any excess glue around the edge.
Put glazier's tips in the frame at intervals of six inches around the joint where the glass meets the frame. Apply another cord of glaziers compound to frame-glass joints and smooth them with a putty blade. If your windows are made of metal then you can paint the joints with a primer 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. It is usually caused by pressure variations between two panes of glass, which can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is the reason it's crucial 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 panes of glass.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to ensure the frames are secure, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. A good double glazed window should also be easy to open and close, without sticking or sagging. Wiping the hinges and mechanisms with a little oil can aid, as can changing the screws and locks to make sure they're tight enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window could pose a risk. If you find shards on the floor or a crack in the double glazing, it is recommended to contact an emergency glazier. It is more beneficial to replace the broken glass rather than attempting to repair it.
If you see condensation between the two panes, it is a sign that your seals aren't functioning correctly and must be repaired immediately. A reputable glassmaker can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in drying agents (typically desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This can be a quick, cheap and effective solution to this issue. Be aware that this is temporary solution and you'll have to replace the windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation can be door repair near me a issue with older double glazing. Condensation happens when moisture in the air is drawn into the space between the glass panes, and then it condenses at night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not indicate any problem with the windows or glass. However it can be a source of frustration to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from operating in the way it should.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to allow air to flow, eliminating any condensation that may be present in your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the home and decrease energy bills in the long term.
A professional will usually be able to solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a tiny holes through the window to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.
Contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems arise. This is so that they can send out a technician to assess the situation and fix any issues before they become worse. It is also a good idea to ensure that all communications are in writing, such as an email or letter, as this will make it easier to contest any claims in the future.
It is possible to fix certain issues yourself, however it is usually quicker and more efficient to work with a professional. This is especially true for problems that require specialist equipment. A professional will also offer the guarantee of their work, which you may not receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, decrease the amount of noise that is heard inside the home, and protect furniture from damage caused by ultraviolet light. They can also help to minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they're installed correctly, it is easy for air to escape through the gaps between the glass panes and cause drafts.
In double-glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar, and the gap is then filled with insulating gas. The spacer bar usually contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap, preventing interior condensation. As the desiccant's ability to draw moisture away from spacer bars diminishes, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a typical issue with double glazing that's poorly made. However, it can be easily fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and inserting humidifiers.
The space between two panes of a double-glazed window acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from transferring into your home. The insulation performance can be improved even further by using an inert low-conductivity gas, such as argon to fill the gap.
Double-glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the cost as they can reduce cooling and heating costs, protect furniture from UV damage and boost the value of your property. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed windows in your home, be sure you choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a premium IGU without removing the frame and the cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring many benefits for homeowners. It increases energy efficiency and reduces noise. It also decreases the chance of draughts or the build-up of mould on your window panes. They aren't indestructible and, in some cases, problems may occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can repair most issues with double glazing repaired instead of replacing them which will save you the expense and disruption of having new windows fitted.
Double glazing owners are often required to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case it is essential to get in touch with a professional to schedule a window installer to come out and complete the repairs required.
Another issue is when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles or hinges to resolve the issue. Or, it could be that the frame has dropped or sagged and needs to be adjusted.
The misting could also be easily fixed. This is because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes in place become weaker with time. This is often caused by the frames shifting slightly as they age and compacting the special packaging material that holds them in place, which results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the seal.
Misting can be fixed by drilling holes in the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This will only be a short-term solution though and will likely require repeated. A better long-term fix is to install trickle vents in your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let any of the warm air escape.