How Repairing Double Glazed Windows Has Transformed My Life The Better
Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is a great investment in your home. In time, it may develop problems like misting and condensation.
This could be due to a number of causes, but usually due to the seals no enough air tight, which can lead to loss of the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It is beneficial to know how to repair double glazing.
Broken Panes
A stray ball from the lawnmower, a hurled stone or even a cat's claw can cause a double-glazed window to break. In this case the cold or hot air is able to travel more easily between the two panes of glass which makes your home less insulated and causing higher energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're damaged.
If one of the panes is cracked but not completely shattered it could be feasible to repair it. The first step is to take the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Then using a painter's instrument and gradually warming it up with a heating gun, take out the loose putty from the edges of the glass that has been broken. Use aluminum foil to prevent the glass from cracking as the putty is being removed.
After the frame has been prepared to accept a replacement pane, lubricate a cheap glass-cutting tool (available in most hardware stores) with WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil. Cut the glass along the perimeter, roughly one inch from the edge. Then, gently shift the glass into place in the rabbets or l-shaped grooves in the window frame where it sits. Then utilize the tool's chiseled edge to rake away any excess putty off the edge of the glass.
After the new pane is in place, push the glazier's points into your frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compounds to the frame-glass joint, and smooth it with the putty knife. If your windows are made of steel, paint the joints with a rust-prevention primer formulated specifically for your particular type of metal.
Cracks
Although rare, a sudden crack in your double glazing could occur, particularly in older windows. It's usually caused due to pressure variations between two panes of glass, which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to be careful not to open them too often when the sun is shining. This will stop excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
The best way to prevent cracks in your double glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secured, particularly at the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles. A good double glazed window should also be simple to open and close with no sagging or sticking. Wiping the hinges or mechanisms with a small amount of oil could help, as can making adjustments to the screws and locks to ensure they're secure enough.
It's important to remember that a cracked window isn't just ugly but also dangerous. If you notice a crack in your double glazing and see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, you should call an emergency glazier immediately as it's probably best to replace the broken glass completely rather than fixing it.
Likewise, any condensation in between the two panes of glass indicates that there is an issue with the seals and must be addressed immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation will be able to cut into the seal and inject or pump a drying agent, typically a desiccant into the window to rid it of any moisture. This is a quick and cost-effective solution. Be window repair near me that this is temporary solution and you'll need to replace your windows in the future.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern 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 normal occurrence 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 operating effectively as it should.
The best solution is to add vents or trickle vents on the frame, allowing air to flow through, removing any condensation build up within your home. This will also keep the heat in your home and lower energy costs over time.
A professional is often able to resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. They will drill tiny holes into the window to eliminate any moisture that has been trapped, and then apply an anti-fog coating.
It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start having issues. This is so that they can send a technician out to check the situation and resolve any issues before they get worse. It is recommended to keep all communications in writing, such as an email or letter, since this will make it easier for you to contest any claims in the future.
While it is possible to do some repairs yourself, it is usually faster and more efficient to engage a professional to perform the work. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require specialist tools. In addition, a professional will typically provide a guarantee for their work which you're not likely to receive when you attempt to fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular due to their improved efficiency in energy use, reduce the noise levels in the home, and shield furniture from UV rays. They can also reduce condensation, which is a common cause of mould. However, if they're not installed correctly, it's easy for air to escape through the gaps between the panes of glass which can cause the draughts.
In double-glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar. the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bar typically contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. The desiccant's capacity to draw moisture away from spacer bars diminishes, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a common problem with double glazing that has been poorly made. However it can be fixed by drilling holes into the glass or spacer bar and inserting a humidifier.
The space between the two glass panes in a double glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the transfer of cold air from outside to your home. The insulating performance can be improved even further by using an inert, low-conductivity gas like argon to fill in the gap.
Double-glazed windows are more expensive to install than single-glazed ones however, they are usually worthwhile as they reduce your cooling and heating costs, protect your furniture from UV damage, and also increase the value of the property. If you're considering having double glazed windows installed at your residence, make sure you choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system lets you to reap the benefits of an IGU without removing the frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing offers numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also reduces the risk of draughts or mould building up on your window panes. However, they aren't indestructible and there are times when problems can arise. It's important to keep in mind that you can repair most issues with double glazing repaired rather than replaced and save yourself the expense and disruption of having new windows installed.
Double glazing owners are often required to fix a leaking seal. If this is the case it is crucial to contact a professional to schedule an installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.
Another issue occurs when windows become difficult to open or close. This could be due heat, or perhaps because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. Try cooling the mechanism and lubricating handles or hinges in the event that this is the cause. It could also be the case that the frame is slightly dropping or sagging and requires re-alignment.
The misting can also be easily fixed. The rubber seals that hold the two panes of glass together will wear away over time. This is typically caused by the frames shifting in a slight manner as they age and compacting the specific packaging material that holds them in place. This can result in one or both panes of your double glazing moving and breaking the all-important seal.
Misting can be treated by drilling holes in the affected glass and then removing the moisture inside. This is only a temporary solution and must be repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is the best long-term solution. They let fresh air into the room, but prevent warm air from escaping.