Why All The Fuss Over Repairing Double Glazed Windows?

Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is a fantastic investment for your home. However, over time it can develop issues like condensation or misting.

This can be due to a number of reasons, but it is typically due to the seals no more being airtight, causing a loss in the insulating gas that sits between the glass panes. It is helpful to understand how to fix double glazing.

Broken Panes

A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball or a stone dropped can cause a double glazed window repair man to shatter. This allows cold or heat to move more easily between two layers of the glass, reducing insulation and increasing energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're broken.

However, if one the panes is cracked, not completely shattered, it may still be able to be repaired. First, remove the old glass from the frame wearing gloves and safety glasses. Remove the putty that is loose from the cracked edges of the glass with a painter’s tool, which can be warmed by a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to prevent adjacent panes from cracking while 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 another light oil. Cut the glass along the perimeter, about one inch from the edge. Then, unit gently shift the glass to fit into the rabbets, or the grooves that form an l in the window frame where it sits. Use the chiseled edges of the tool to take away any excess glue around the edges.

After the new pane is in place, push the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the joint where it joins the glass. Then, apply another cord of glazier's compound to the glass-frame joint and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal paint the joints with an anti-rust primer specifically designed for your type of metal.

Cracks

Although it is not common the possibility of a cracking in your double glazing may occur - particularly in older windows. The reason is usually due to differences in pressure between the two panes of glass, caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is crucial to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to avoid opening them too often when the sun shines. This will prevent excessive heat from forming between the two panes.

The best way to avoid cracks in your double glazed windows is to make sure that the frames are secure, particularly on the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles. Double glazed windows should be easy to open and shut and should not sag or stick. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms can help. You can also adjust the screws and locks so they are secure enough.

Be aware that a damaged glass window could pose a risk. If you have cracks in your double glazing and can see shards of glass that are loose on the floor, contact an emergency glazier right away as it's probably best to replace the broken pane of glass completely instead of fixing it.

Likewise, any condensation in between the two panes of glass indicates that there is an issue with your seals, and should be fixed immediately. A reliable glazier will be able to drill into the sealed unit and inject or pump dry agent, usually a desiccant, into the window to get rid of any moisture. This can be a simple cost-effective and affordable solution to this issue. Be aware that this is only temporary solution and you'll need to replace the windows in the near future.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with older double glazing. Condensation occurs when moisture from the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes, and then condenses at night. This is a natural phenomenon that does not indicate any issues with the glass or windows. However it can be very frustrating to homeowners as it hinders the double glazing from working in the way it should.

Add vents or trickle-vents the frame to let air flow, preventing condensation in your home. This will also keep the heat in your home and lower the cost of energy over time.

Most times, a professional can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. They will drill tiny hole into the window to let any moisture trapped and then apply an antifog coating.

It is a good idea to contact the company that you purchased your double glazing from as soon as you start experiencing problems. It is crucial to contact the company you bought your double glazing windows repair glazing from the moment you start experiencing issues. This will allow them to send a technician out to examine the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is recommended to communicate in writing. This is done via email or a letter.

While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it is usually easier and less costly hiring a professional perform the work. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require specialist tools. Professionals will also provide an assurance on their work, which you may not receive if you attempt to fix the double glazing by yourself.

Draughts

Double-glazed windows are increasingly popular because they improve the efficiency of energy, lower noise levels within the home, and shield furniture from UV radiation. They can also reduce condensation which is a typical cause of mould. If they're not installed correctly, air can easily get through the gaps between the glass panes and cause drafts.

In double glazed windows, two panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar, and the gap is then filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bars usually contain a desiccant that assists in drawing moisture away from the gap, preventing the formation of condensation inside. The desiccant's capacity to eliminate moisture from spacer bars decreases, condensation can form between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently with double glazing that is not properly made, but it can be fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer, and after that, putting in a dehumidifier.

The space between the two panes of glass in a double glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the flow of cold air from outside into your home. The insulation efficiency can be enhanced by using an inert, low-conductivity gas such as argon to fill in the gaps.

Double-glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows to install however, they're usually worth the investment as they lower cooling and heating costs, and help protect furnishings from UV damage and improve the value of your home. If you're thinking of having double glazed windows installed at your residence, make sure to work with an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing your existing frame and the cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing can bring many benefits to homeowners, it improves energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also reduces the possibility of draughts and the growth of mould on your window frames. They aren't impervious to damage, and sometimes problems can occur. You can repair the majority of double glazing issues rather than replacing them, which will save you money and the inconvenience of having new windows installed.

Double glazing owners are often required to repair a leaky seal. If this is the case it is crucial to speak with a professional in order to schedule a window installer to visit and make the necessary repairs.

A window shield repair that isn't easy to open or shut can be a source of trouble. It could be due to heat or because the mechanism is stiffening up over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating handles or hinges if this is the problem. Or, it could be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and requires to be aligned.

The misting can be easily fixed. It happens because the rubber seals that keep the two glass panes in place become weaker as time passes. This is typically caused by the frames moving slightly 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 shifting and breaking the seal.

Misting can be corrected by drilling holes into the affected glass and removing moisture from inside. This is an interim solution and will likely require repeated. Installing trickle vents inside your frames is the best long-term solution. They let fresh air to enter the room, but they also block warm air from getting out.