10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Double Glazed Window Repair
How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is an efficient method to increase the insulation of your home and increase its energy efficiency. It can have problems like condensation and draughts.
Repairs are typically more cost-effective than replacement. Let's take a look at the most commonly used double-glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear a pair of thick gloves and put an empty cardboard box nearby to catch any shards of glass that fall while you work. Make use of a utility knife cut the glass around the windowpane that has been damaged, making sure to wear eye protection and a mask due to potential lead in the frame. Use pliers to remove any nails or clips that are securing the windowpane. Scrape off any old putty or glazing points after the glass is removed. If necessary, a heat gun can be used to soften the putty.
After the old putty has been removed, re-grout grooves and apply silicone caulk with a silicone caulking tool. Before applying the final caulking, it's a great idea to test fit the new window into its frame. Make sure that the grooves are clean of any rust, gunk or paint, and aren't too narrow for the window to sit in.
Next take the opportunity to replace the sash using the same wood molding as the windowframe. If the windowframe is damaged it could be easier and more cost effective to replace the whole window unit instead of just a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were constructed of two pieces of glass, separated with a spacer. They were then filled with air or an gas used to insulate. In recent years, manufacturers have shifted to insulated glass units (IGs) which are more energy efficient and resistant to seal failure. In windows with a failing IG moisture from the air outside reaches the glass and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually damages the insulating properties of IG and leaves an odourless remnant on the glass.
To fix a damaged IG, a glass repair specialist can replace the entire unit, or could replace only the damaged surface of the glass. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, however it's the only way to fix a damaged seal that allows water to enter the home. Purchasing high-quality windows from a reputable manufacturer and having them installed by a skilled technician will help avoid future issues with the seals.
Misted Panes
The window frame is made up of two or more panes of glass each separated by an air-filled space. The air, usually filled with argon gas to ensure more energy efficiency, aids to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. Unfortunately, windows can fail and you may see a hazy, smokey fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time to replace the entire window, but it's not as easy as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it.
A window that is misty is typically a sign that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has entered and has damaged the insulation properties of double-glazing. This is why it's essential to pay attention to the care of your windows and keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes it is a sign that there is excessive moisture in your home. It is recommended to dehumidify the room and take other measures to increase the airflow in areas where this happens often. If the condensation is only visible on one side of your window or between the panes, you will require having the seal replaced.
There is no such thing as resealing windows with double glazing to bring back its energy efficiency. When the seal breaks the gap lets cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. This will reduce the insulating power of your home and will cost you more to heat.
Some companies will drill holes into your window's outer pane and remove the condensation. But it's only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last for more than six months. It's not recommended you attempt to do this by yourself, as it could be very risky without the proper tools and expertise. A double-glazing professional will use specialist equipment to safely remove the condensation and then install new air vents. This should help to keep from the possibility of misting in the future.
Frame Fragment Damage
Double glazing isn't indestructible and even with the best of care, faults can develop. Some issues are minor and can be repaired. Some are more serious and require the replacement of the entire window. The owner of the home must make this choice considering the advantages of double glazing, as well as the value that it adds to the property.
If you are having trouble opening or closing your windows, it could be due to misting on the glass or a problem with the frame. Repair your windows as quickly as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of your double glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in their place and stop them from moving, but over time the special packaging that aids in this may wear down. upvc window repairs can cause one or both glass sheets to move a bit and cause a break in the seal and causes misting. The insulating space between the panes could also cause misting, which indicates that there is a broken seal.
Another issue that is common is that windows have begun to sag over time, making it difficult to open and close them. This can usually be repaired by changing the hinges or mechanisms. Be aware that a lot of double-glazed windows are covered by warranties. In this instance, you should call the company from where you purchased your double glazing to find out what you can do.
You can repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it's better to consult with an expert for their expertise and experience. Professionals can determine the problem and provide the proper double glazing repair quickly and efficiently. This will help you to avoid voiding your warranty since attempting to repair windows on your own without the proper information could invalidate the warranty.
Weather Damage
While you may think of double pane windows as resistant to weather damage however, if you live an area susceptible to ice storms, hail high winds, torrential rains, your window frames and seals could take some serious damage. It is essential to inspect your windows frequently and repair any small scratches or chips when they are discovered.
Blown windows are one of the more serious issues that you might encounter with double glazing. When a gap appears between the two panes of glass air and moisture can seep into your home. This is usually an indication of damage to the seals or problems with the insulating material that is between your panes.
Another issue that homeowners encounter when they have double-glazed windows is condensation between the panes. This is due to the warm air in your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The difference in temperatures forces the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals to crack or weaken with time.
Foggy windows are also a common issue with double-glazed windows. This is a typical issue that can be solved without replacing the IGU. This is a sign that your window's seals require resealing.
To accomplish this, you'll need to drill a hole in between the window panes. This needs to be big enough for you to insert a long pipe cleaner or any other long object that has fabric on the other end. You'll then have to use the cloth end to clean your windows and eliminate any excess condensation. This will help to form a a tight seal again and stop any further fogging of your double-glazed windows.
It is important to remember that this is only temporary solution for your foggy windows. Condensation will return when it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a fresh one.