Double Glazed Window Repair: The Evolution Of Double Glazed Window Repair
Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option to reduce energy consumption. They are susceptible to being damaged over time. Fortunately they can be repaired fairly easily.
Foggy glass, condensation between panes and mist are all indications of an issue with the seal. The good news is that a professional can usually repair the issue without replacing the entire window.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a an errant rock, or even the blow of a strong wind can break windows with double panes. If this happens, it can be difficult to determine if the whole window has to be replaced or the insulation benefits of this type glass can be restored by an easy repair.
Luckily, repairing a broken glass pane in a double-glazed window is not as complicated as it appears. If you have the right tools and know how to use it, you can do this yourself. By using the right tools, you can avoid further damage to your windows. You can also avoid injuries dealing with glass that is sharp.
The first step is removing the old sealant from around the broken glass. This can be done by hand, as long that you wear gloves and have a method of waste disposal close at hand. You can make use of a multi-purpose knife or deglazing tool to get the job done. Once you've removed the sealant from the window, take care to remove the broken glass and put it in a secure place.
The next step is to prepare the frame. Make use of a utility knife to scrape away any caulking or paint from the rabbets. The wood that is bare can be exposed using a paint remover or sandpaper. Apply an exterior primer to the exposed area.
Putty can be applied on the rabbets in preparation for the installation of the new glass. The putty should be warm and malleable to be put into the rabbets. It is essential to press down evenly on the entire surface, so that there aren't any gaps.
Once the putty has set, you can reinstall wooden stops and silicone around the edges of your double pane window to ensure it is as solid as it can be. Replace the weather stripping that is at the bottom of the frames in order to improve airflow and prevent water from entering your home. This will also reduce your energy bill.
Foggy Glass
Foggy windows could be an indication of a weak seal, which allows draughts or moisture to pass through the gap. This is especially prevalent in humid and wet environments where wooden frames could get rotten if exposed excessive amounts of condensation and water. In this case, you may need to replace the window, however, it is usually more cost-effective when the glass can be repaired.
This can be accomplished by drilling small holes into the inside of the frame using the carbide-tipped drill bit in order to prevent breaking the glass panes. The moisture that is trapped can be removed using a dehumidifier, or a cleaning agent. When you're trying to do this, you should be careful not to pick a day that the sun is extremely hot or extremely cold. This can put too much pressure on the glass, and could cause it to shatter. Wear safety gloves and goggles because you'll be working with sharp tools near the glass.
After the fog is gone, you can add a small spray tube to one of the holes and use it to wash the glass. Once the window is dry and clean, you can use caulk to seal the hole and the glass edge.
You may be able fix the leaky seals by yourself if you are an expert in DIY. This could be a risky task, and you'll have to be aware of the condition of any plugs installed into the gap. Even if the problem is solved, it's likely to return within six months as moisture will re-infiltrate the gap. This could cause draughts, condensation and electrical hazards within the home. It is best to employ an experienced professional to complete the task.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation in double paned windows is more than just an inconvenience. It indicates that the seals are not working. This allows moisture to get in and cause damage to the gaskets, and when the condensation is very severe it could also cause jams or cause rot to wooden window frames. The most common method to address this issue is to replace the window with a new unit with proper gaskets and seals.
However, the expense of this procedure can be high and it is not always feasible, particularly if one or both of the panes are cracked or shattered. There are alternatives to replacing the entire glass that offer long-term double glazing repair solutions.
The first step is to remove any condensation with a commercial defogging product like WD-40 Original For Windows. This product can be used on both sides of glass and will absorb moisture in just a few minutes. This should be done at least once a day at the very minimum, but you may repeat it if necessary.
If window glazier continues to persist it could be necessary to drill two small holes just below the bottom edge of the window. The sun will warm the outer glass, and any condensation in the window will move towards the holes. As the air expands, it will escape through the holes. This will usually clear the window, but it won't solve the original problem.
Alternatively, it is possible to employ a hole-free approach but it won't work as well and runs the possibility of breaking or shattering the glass. In essence, a special glue is inserted into the cracks to stop them expanding further. This can be a good long-term solution, but it's not as effective as a replacement unit equipped with an entire seal. In both instances it is best to have the work done by a professional to ensure that the procedure is carried out properly and to avoid issues of leaks or condensation.
Mist
When a layer of mist appears on a window, it's usually a sign that the seal of the window has failed. In certain cases it can be fixed. However, in the majority cases it will require replacing the unit.
This problem can happen in both new and old double-glazed windows. This is usually caused by a large temperature difference between indoors and outside. As the cold air meets the warm air, condensation can build up inside the window. The condensation dries on the glass's surface creating fog or mist.
The way in which this is prevented with modern double glazing is that the space between the panes is filled with a gas named argon. The gas acts as an air barrier between warm and cold air. The space is also sprayed with a special silica formula that has been designed to absorb moisture between panes of glass. These chemicals may wear off with time and you might notice a buildup of moisture inside the window.
If the condensation only occurs on the inside of the double-glazed windows it is possible for them to be repaired instead of being replaced. The process of repair involves removal of the sealed unit from the frame, splitting the panes apart from the spacer bars, and then cleaning each one thoroughly and replacing the desiccant. The end result should be a clear window with no condensation inside. This is a great choice for those looking to save money, but don't want to replace their windows.
If you have glass that has broken, extensive rot, or frames that have lost their integrity It is evident that replacement is needed. However, if you have an issue with your window seal then it may be possible to save your windows and make them more energy efficient again. You can contact an organization in your area that specializes in repairs to double-glazed windows and learn about the options you have to fix your existing glazing.