7 Easy Tips For Totally Rocking Your Double Glazed Window Repair
Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary
Double-glazing windows are an excellent method to conserve energy. However, they can be damaged over time. Fortunately they can be repaired fairly easily.
A problem with the seal can be identified by the foggy glass, condensation inside the panes, and mist. A professional can often resolve this issue without needing to replace the entire window.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a hurled rock or even the blow of a strong wind can crack the double pane of a window. When this happens, it can be difficult to determine if the whole window needs to be replaced or whether the insulation benefits of this type glass can be restored by a simple repair.
Luckily, repairing a broken pane of glass in a double-glazed window isn't as difficult as it may seem. If you have the right tools and know how to use them you can fix it yourself. Making use of the right tools will ensure that you're not causing further damage to your windows. You will also be able to avoid injuries due to working with glass that is sharp.
The first step is to take off the old sealant from the broken glass. You can do this by hand so long as you've got gloves to protect yourself and a way to dispose of the waste to hand. Use a multipurpose tool or deglazing knife to do the job. Once you have removed the sealant, carefully remove the broken pane and place it in a safe location for interim storage.
Next, you need to prepare the frame for the replacement pane. Make use of a utility knife scrape off any caulking and paint from the rabbets (the grooves in the sash where the glass sits). The bare wood can be exposed by using a paint remover or sandpaper. Apply an exterior primer coat to the surface that is exposed.
You can then apply putty on the rabbets to prepare for the installation of the new glass. The putty must be soft and malleable, so that it can be put into the rabbets. It is crucial to evenly press across the entire surface, so that there aren't any gaps.
After the putty has set, you can reinstall wooden stops and silicone around the edges of your double pane window to make sure it is as tight as possible. Replace the weather stripping that is at the bottom of the frames to improve airflow and prevent water from entering your home. This will also reduce your energy bill.
Foggy Glass
The majority of the time, windows that are foggy can be a sign that seals have failed and draughts and moisture can be able to get into the gaps. This is most frequent in humid and wet climates where wooden frames could be damaged by too much moisture and condensation. In this case you may have to replace the window, but it is generally more cost-effective when the glass can be repaired.
To ensure that the glass is not broken to avoid breaking it, make small holes in the frame with a carbide-tipped tool. You can then use a dehumidifier or cleaning solution to eliminate the moisture that has been trapped between the two glass panes. It is important not to do this on a day that is extremely hot or cold. This could cause the glass to break. Wear safety goggles and gloves because you'll be working with sharp tools close to the glass.
Once the fog has cleared and the glass is clean, you can put a small tube into one of the holes. Then apply a spray rinse solution to wash the glass panes and clean off any remaining debris. Once the window is dry, you can apply a caulk on both the hole and the edge of the glass to protect it from the elements.
You may be able to fix the leaky seals by yourself if you are a DIY expert. This is a risky job, and you will be required to keep track of the condition of any plugs inserted into the gap. Even if local double glazing repairs succeed but it's likely that the issue will recur within about six months or so, as the moisture continues to creep back into the gap. This could cause draughts, electrical hazards, and condensation in the home. This is why it's best to employ a licensed tradesperson to do the work.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation in double pane windows is more than just a nuisance it's a sign that the seals between the glass and the frame are deteriorating. This allows moisture to enter and damage gaskets and, if the condensing gets severe, it can also jam or rot wood window frames. The most common way to remedy this is to have the window replaced with a new one with proper gaskets and seals.
However, the expense of doing this is high and it's not always feasible, especially if one or both of the panes is damaged or cracked. There are options to replace the entire glass that offer long-term double glazing repair solutions.
The first step is to try to clear the condensation by using a commercial defogging spray like WD-40 Original for Windows. This spray can be used on both sides of glass and absorb moisture within minutes. This should be done at least every day, but can be repeated if needed.
If the issue persists, it could be necessary to make a couple of small holes in the outside of the window, just below the bottom edge. When the sun shines through the glass, it will heat up and if there's any condensation in the window this will flow towards the holes and then be vented out through the holes as the air expands. This will normally clear the window of condensation but since it hasn't dealt with what caused the issue in the beginning, it is likely to be an ongoing issue.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a hole-free method but it won't perform as well and could run the risk of cracking or shattering the glass. In essence, a special glue is inserted into the cracks to prevent them from spreading further and this can be a viable long-term solution but it is not as effective as a replacement unit equipped with complete sealing. In both cases it is best to have the work completed by a professional to ensure that the process is followed properly and to avoid issues that could arise from future condensation or leaks.
Mist
If mist appears on a window this is usually an indication that the seal has failed. In some instances, this can be repaired however most of the time it will require replacement of the seal.
This issue can be seen with both new and old double-glazed windows. It is typically caused when there is a big temperature difference between indoors and outside. This can cause condensation to build up in the glass when the cold air comes in contact with warm air. The condensation then sets on the surface of the glass and forms a fog or mist.
Modern double glazing works by filling the space between the glass panes with argon. This creates a powerful barrier between the warm and cold air. The window is also sprayed using a silica-based formula that is that is designed to absorb moisture between the glass panes. It is not unusual for these chemicals to wear out with time and that is when you will start to see the accumulation of water in the window.
If the condensation is only on the inside of your double-glazed windows then it may be possible to fix them instead of replacing them. Repairing them involves taking the sealed unit out of the frame, tearing the panes apart from the spacer bars, and then cleaning each one thoroughly and replacing the desiccant. The result should be a clear window with no condensation on the inside. This is a great option for those who wish to save money, but don't want to replace their windows.
If your glass is broken, extensive rot, or frames that have lost their integrity It is evident that replacement is needed. If you have a problem with the seal on your windows it is possible for your windows to be saved and improved in energy efficiency. You can reach out to an individual company in your area that is specialized in repairs to double-glazed windows and learn about the alternatives you have to fix the current glass.