Double Glazed Window Repair: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past
How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is an effective way to make your home more energy efficient and to increase its energy efficiency. But it can be prone to issues like condensation and draughts.
While replacing windows is the obvious solution to these issues but repairs are often a cheaper alternative. Let's look at some of the most commonly used double-glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear a pair of thick gloves and place an empty cardboard box nearby to catch any shards of glass that fall as you work. Utilize a utility knife to cut the glass around the windowpane that has been damaged, making sure to wear an eye mask and mask due to potential lead in the frame. If clips or nails are holding the windowpane in the frame, use pliers to lift them out. Scrape off any old putty or glazing points after the glass is removed. A heat gun can be used to soften the putty, if needed.
After the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicone caulking tool. It's a good idea examine the fit of the new window in its frame prior to applying the final caulking. Make sure that the grooves inside the frame are not contaminated by paint, rust or gunk, and aren't too narrow to fit the window.
Next you should replace the sash with a wood molding that matches the windowframe. If the window frame is in a poor state, it may be easier and more cost effective to replace the whole window unit instead of one pane.
In the past double-pane windows were two pieces of glass separated by a spacer, and then filled with gas or air that acted as an insulator. However, in recent years manufacturers have shifted to insulated glass units (IGs) that are more efficient in terms of energy efficiency and resist seal failure. In a double-pane glass with a failing IG the moisture from the air outside is absorbed into the gap and condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually destroys the insulating properties of IG and leaves an odourless substance on the glass.
To repair a damaged IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit, or can replace only the damaged surface of the glass. It can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it's the only way to fix a damaged seal that lets water into the home. Installing windows of high-quality by a technician with experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help avoid future seal problems.
Misty Panes
The window's frame holds two or three panes, separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is usually filled with argon gas to ensure better energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air inside and cold air out. Unfortunately, these windows can break down and you might notice a hazy, smoky fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time to replace the window, but it's not possible to just replace the broken pane.
In most instances, a window that is misty indicates that there is a problem with the seal between the two panes that comprise the glass. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has entered and has damaged the insulation qualities of double-glazing. It is essential to maintain your windows and to keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes it indicates that there is a lot of moisture in your home. It is recommended to dehumidify the room and take other measures to improve the ventilation in areas where this happens often. If the condensation is only visible on one side of the window or is visible between the panes of the glass, it means that there's a problem with the seal, and you'll need to fix it.
There is no such thing as resealing windows that have double glazing to restore its energy efficiency. When the seal breaks down the gap can let cold air into your home, and warm air to escape. This can damage your home's insulating ability, making it more expensive to heat.
Some companies provide a service in which they drill holes in the exterior of your window and then drain out the condensation, but this is only a short-term solution that is unlikely to last longer than six months. It is also advised not to attempt to do this yourself, as it is very dangerous if you don't have the right tools or knowledge. A double-glazing expert will use specific equipment to safely remove the condensation and install air vents that should ensure that there is no any future misting.
Frame Fragment Damage
Even with the best of care double glazing can develop problems. Some issues are minor and can easily be repaired. Others are more severe and require an entire replacement. The owner of the house should make this decision considering the benefits of double glazing and the value it brings to the property.
If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be caused by misting on the glass or a problem with the frame. You should repair your windows as soon as you can to prevent further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of double-glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in place and prevent them from shifting, but as time passes, the particular packaging that assists in this will wear away. This can cause one or both glass sheets to shift slightly, which breaks the all-important seal and leads to misting. Mist can also form in the gap that is used to insulate between the panes and the glass, indicating that the seal is broken and it's now time to make double glazing repairs.
Another issue that is common is that windows are beginning to shrink over time which makes it difficult to open and close them. This is usually fixed by adjusting the hinges or mechanisms. Remember that many double-glazed windows are covered by an insurance policy. In this case you must call the company from where you purchased your double glazing to find out what you can do.
You can repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it's usually better to talk to an expert to benefit from their expertise and experience. Professionals will be able to determine the problem and provide the proper double glazing repair quickly and efficiently. This will also help you to keep your warranty intact, because attempting to fix windows on your own without the proper knowledge can invalidate it.
Weather Damage
While you might think of double pane windows as being resistant to weather damage however, if you live an area prone to hail, ice storms high winds, and torrential rains windows and seals are susceptible to some serious damage. The best way to make sure your windows remain in good shape is to regularly inspect them and repair minor scratches and chips as soon as you discover them.
Blown windows are one of the most serious issues you might face with your double glazing. When upvc window repairs appears between the two glass panes air and moisture could get into your home. This is usually an indication of deterioration or a flaw in the insulation material that separates the panes.
Condensation between the panes is a different issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This is due to the warm air in your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The difference in temperatures forces the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals break or weaken with time.
Double-glazed windows can also lead to foggy windows. This is a problem that can be resolved without replacing the IGU. This is an indication that your window's seals require resealing.
You'll need to drill an opening between the window panes. This needs to be big enough to allow for the installation of the pipe cleaner, or other object that is long with cloth on the end. The cloth end will be used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any excess condensate. This will create a more secure seal and avoid any further fogging.
It is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution for your windows that are foggy. Condensation will occur again as soon as it rains, or if there is an increase in humidity. If you're looking for a permanent solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a new one.