Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing can be a great investment in your home. As time passes, it will create problems such as misting and condensation.

It can be caused by many factors, but it is usually due to the seals not being airtight. This results in a loss of the gases that insulate that sit between the glass panes. It is helpful to know how to fix double glazing.

Broken Panes

A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double-glazed window to break. This allows heat or cold to move more easily between two panes of glass, which can result in lower the insulation and resulting in higher the cost of energy. If both windows are shattered then it's time to contact an expert to replace the windows.

If one of the panes has cracked but not completely shattered it is still possible to repair. First remove the old glass from the frame while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Then, using a painter's tool and gradually warming it up with a heat gun, remove the putty that is loose around the edges of the glass that has been broken. Put a piece of aluminum foil on adjacent panes to keep them from cracking after the putty has been removed.

Once the frame is ready for the new pane of glass, make sure to lubricate the cutter using a cheap glass cutting tool -- found in many hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Score around the perimeter of the glass, approximately one inch from the edge. Then, gently move the glass to fit into the rabbets, or the grooves that are shaped like an l, in the window frame where it sits. Then make use of the tool's chiseled edge to scrape any remaining putty from the edges of the glass.

When the new pane has been put in place, press the glazier's points into your frame every six inches around the seam where it meets the glass. Apply a second cord of glaziers compound on the frame-glass joint and smooth with a putty knife. If windows are made of metal it is possible to paint the joints with a primer that is designed to prevent rust.

Cracks

Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can occur suddenly - especially in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure differences between two panes, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. This is why it's important to keep your blinds shut during hot weather and avoid opening them too wide when the sun is shining. this helps to prevent excess heat from building up between the two glass panes.

The best way to avoid 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 simple to open and close without sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges and mechanism with a bit of oil may help, as can making adjustments to 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 best to call an emergency glazier. It is more beneficial to replace the broken glass rather than attempt to repair it.

If you see condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that the seals aren't functioning properly and need to be replaced immediately. A reputable glassmaker can drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in drying agents (typically desiccant) to eliminate any moisture. This is a fast and cost-effective solution. However, be aware that this is only a temporary fix and you will need to replace your windows in the long in the 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 then condenses during the night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not signal any issue with the windows or glass. However, it can be frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from working effectively as it should.

The solution is to install vents or trickle vents on the frame to allow air to flow through, thus removing the possibility of condensation forming in your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the house and reduce energy costs in the long run.

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

Contact the company where you purchased your double glazing as soon as problems arise. It is important to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. This will enable them to send a technician out to inspect the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This can be done via mail or letters.

It is possible to fix certain things yourself, but it is generally quicker and more efficient to hire a professional. This is particularly the case for issues that require specialist equipment. Professionals will also provide the guarantee of their work, which you may not receive if you try to repair the double glazing yourself.

Draughts

Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency, reduce noise levels inside the home, and protect furniture from UV rays. They also reduce condensation which is a typical cause for mould. If they're not installed correctly, it is easy for air to leak through the gaps between the panes of glass, causing drafts.

In double-glazed windows the space between two panes of glass is filled with an gas that is insulating. Spacer bars usually contain a desiccant which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, thus preventing the formation of condensation inside. However, when the desiccant loses its ability to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it's likely for condensation to develop between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that is not properly made, but it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer, and then inserting the 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 to your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas, locks such as argon, can enhance the insulation properties more.

Double-glazed windows cost more to install than single-glazed windows however, they are usually worth it as they can reduce your heating and cooling costs, shield your furniture from UV damage, and increase the value of your home. If you're thinking of installing double-glazed upvc windows repair near me in your home, consult an experienced installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to reap the benefits of an IGU without removing existing frames and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing offers many benefits to homeowners, it improves energy efficiency, reduces noise and condensation. It can also reduce the chance of draughts or the build-up of mould on your window frames. However, they aren't indestructible and issues can occur. It's important to keep in mind that you can usually get most double glazing faults repaired instead of replacing them and save yourself the expense and hassle of having new windows fitted.

One of the most frequent problems that owners of double glazing face is the need to fix a leaky window repair man seal. If this is the case, it's important to contact an expert as soon as possible to arrange a suitable time for a window installer to visit and complete the required upvc door repairs.

A window that is difficult to shut or open can be a source of trouble. This may be due to heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating the handles or hinges in the event that this is the cause. Or, it could be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and requires to be re-aligned.

The misting can also be fixed easily. The seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. The frames tend to move in a slight manner over time and the packaging material that holds them in place compacts. This causes panes to move, and break the seal.

Drilling into the affected glass is a way to eliminate moisture. This will only be a short-term solution though and will likely need repeating. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents into your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let any of the warm air escape.