How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a cost effective method to insulate your home and improve its energy efficiency. But it can be prone to faults like condensation and draughts.
While replacement is the most obvious solution to these problems however, repairs are usually a more affordable option. Let's look at a few of the most popular solutions for double-glazed window repairs.
Broken Panes
The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear gloves that are thick, and keep an open box of cardboard close by to catch any pieces of glass that fall during you work. Utilize upvc windows repairs near me to cut the glazing around the window pane that has been broken, making sure to wear an eye mask and mask due to potential lead in the frame. If nails or clips are securing the windowpane the frame, you can use pliers to pull them out. Scrape off any old putty or glazing points after the glass is removed. A heat gun may help soften the putty, if needed.
After the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves, and apply a new caulk using a silicone gun. Before applying the final caulk it is a good idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Make sure the grooves in the frame are not contaminated by rust, paint, or gunk, and aren't too narrow to accommodate the window.
Next, replace the sash with an appropriate wood molding that matches the window frame. If the frame of the window is in poor condition it could be easier and more cost effective to replace the entire window unit instead of one pane.
In the past double pane windows comprised two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer. They were then filled with either air or an gas used to insulate. In recent years, manufacturers have switched to the use of insulated glass units (IGs) that are much more efficient in energy use and are resistant to seal failure. In windows with a failing IG the moisture from the outside seeps through the gap and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually erodes the insulating properties and leaves a film of haze on the glass.
A glass repair expert can either replace the entire IG or only the damaged surface. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, but it is the only way to fix a defective seal that allows water to enter the home. Installing windows of high-quality by a technician who has experience and buying windows from a reputable business will help prevent the possibility of future seal issues.
Misted Panes
The window's frame can hold three or two panes, separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is typically filled with argon to increase energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside it, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, these windows can break down and you might see a hazy, smokey fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time for a new window, but you can't simply replace the broken one.
In the majority of instances, a window that is misty indicates a problem with the seal between the two panes that comprise the glass. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has entered and is causing damage to the insulating qualities of the double-glazing. It is crucial to keep your windows and keep them clean.
Condensation that forms between the panes your windows is a sign there's too much humidity in your home, so it's important to dehumidify and implement other measures to increase ventilation in the areas where this happens frequently. If the condensation is just on one side of the window or is visible between the glass's panes, it means that there is a problem with the seal, and you'll need to have it fixed.
It is not possible to reseal double-glazed windows to restore the energy efficiency of the original. If the seal is damaged, the gap will let cold air into your house and warm air to escape. This can damage the insulation capacity of your home and make it more costly to heat.
Some businesses offer a service where they drill holes into the exterior of your window and drain out the condensation. However, this is a temporary solution that is unlikely to last longer than six months. It's also not recommended that you try to do this yourself, as it can be very dangerous without the proper tools and expertise. Double-glazing specialists will employ specialist equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and install air vents that should aid in preventing the possibility of misting in the future.
Frame Damage
Even with the best of care, double glazing can develop faults. Some are minor and can be corrected but others are more serious and need to be replaced completely. The owner of the home should take this decision, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing, as well as the value that it adds to the property.
If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be due to misting on the glass or a problem with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as soon as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of your double-glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in their place and stop them from shifting, but as time passes, the particular packaging that helps this happens may wear down. This could cause one or both of the glass sheets to shift slightly, which breaks the all-important seal, which can cause misting. Mist can also form in the insulating gap between the panes, again indicating that the seal is broken and it's now time for double glazing repairs.
A common issue is that windows have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This is typically repaired by adjusting the hinges or mechanisms. It is worth remembering that many new double glazed windows are covered by a guarantee and in this situation it's a good idea to contact the company from whom you purchased your double glazing for information on what to do next.
It is possible to fix your own double glazed windows, however it is usually better to talk to a professional and make use of their knowledge and expertise. Professionals can identify the issue and offer the appropriate double glazing repairs quickly and efficiently. This will also help you keep your warranty intact, because attempting to fix windows yourself without having the right information could invalidate the warranty.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are resistant to weather damage. However should you live in a place where you are susceptible to ice storms, hail, high wind and torrential rain your window frames and seals could be terribly damaged. It is crucial to inspect your windows on a regular basis and repair any minor damage or scratches immediately they are noticed.
Blown windows are one of the more serious problems you may face with double glazing. They happen when a gap opens between the two glass panes which causes air and moisture to enter your home. This is typically an indication of deterioration in the seals or problems with the insulating material between your panes.
Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This is caused by the warm air inside your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The warmer air expands due to the temperature difference, which can cause window seals to become weak or break over time.
Double-glazed windows can cause foggy windows. The good part is that it's a problem that can often be resolved without replacing the IGU. This is usually an indication that the seals between the window's panes need to be resealed.
You'll need to make an opening between the window panes. You will have to drill a hole large enough to allow for the installation of a pipe cleaner or another long object, with fabric at the end. The cloth end is used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any condensate left behind. This will help to form a an even seal and prevent any future fogging of your double glazed windows.
It is important to remember that this is temporary solution for your windows that are foggy. Condensation will return when it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you'll have to replace your IGU with a new one.