How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a good way to improve your home's energy efficiency as well as insulate it. However, it can be susceptible to faults like condensation and drafts.
Repairs are often more cost-effective than replacement. Let's take a look at some of the most common alternatives for repairs to double-glazed windows:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane. Wear thick work gloves and put an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to collect any glass fragments that fall while you work. Make use of a utility knife 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, use pliers to pull them out. After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old putty or metal glazing points. A heat gun can be used to soften the putty if necessary.
After the old putty has been removed, re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk with a silicone caulking gun. Before applying the final caulk, it's a great idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Make sure the grooves are clean of any rust, gunk or paint and that they are not too narrow for the windowpane to sit in.
Replace the sash after that with a wood moulding to match the window frame. 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 just a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were made of two pieces of glass that were separated by the help of a spacer. They were then filled with air or an gas used to insulate. In recent years, manufacturers have changed to insulated glass units (IGs) which are more energy-efficient and resistant to seal failure. In windows that have failed IG the air moisture from outside seeps through the gap and condenses inside the glass. This cycle eventually breaks down the insulating properties and leaves an opaque film on the glass.
To repair a damaged IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. It can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it's 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 the experience and purchasing them from a reputable company will help prevent any future problems with seals.
Misted Panes
The window frame holds two or more glass panes each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is often filled with argon for better energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside and cold air out. Unfortunately, windows may break and you may notice a hazy, smoky fog between the glass panes. You might think it's time to replace the entire window, but it's not as easy as just removing the broken pane and replacing it.
In the majority of instances, a window that is misty suggests a problem with the seal between the two panes that comprise the glass. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has penetrated and is causing damage to the insulation of the double glazing. This is the reason it's crucial to be attentive to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean.
Condensation in the panes of your windows can indicate that there's a high level of humidity in the house Therefore, it's essential to dehumidify as well as take other steps to improve ventilation in the areas where this happens often. If the condensation is only visible on one side of the window or is visible between the glass panes It's a sign that there is an issue with the seal and you'll need to have it fixed.
There is no such thing as resealing windows with double glazing to restore its original energy-efficiency. When the seal fails, the gap will let cold air into your home and warm air to escape. This will affect the insulation capacity of your home and make it more costly to heat.
Some companies offer to drill holes into the window's pane of glass to remove the condensation. However, upvc window repairs is only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last for more than six months. It is also not recommended that you try to do this yourself, as it can be very dangerous without the proper tools and knowledge. A double-glazing professional will use specially designed equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and install new air vents that will help stop the possibility of misting in the future.
Frame Damage
Even with the best of care double glazing can develop faults. Some faults are minor and can be fixed. Some are more serious and require an entire replacement. The owner of the house should take this decision considering the advantages of double glazing, as well as the value that it adds to the property.
If you experience difficulty opening and closing your windows it could be caused by misting or an issue with the frame. Repair your windows as quickly as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
As time passes, the plastic that holds the glass panes in their frames and prevents them from moving could wear down. This can cause one or both of the glass sheets to move slightly and cause a break in the seal and leads to misting. Mist can also form in the space between the panes that is insulating, again indicating that the seal has broken and it is now time to repair double glazing.
A common issue is windows that have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This is typically repaired by changing the hinges or mechanisms. It is important to remember that many new double glazed windows are covered by a guarantee and in this case it would be a good idea to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing to get information regarding what to do.
It is possible to fix your own double glazed windows, but it's normally better to consult a professional and take advantage of their expertise and experience. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and make the necessary repairs to double glazing. This will also allow you keep your warranty intact, as trying to fix windows on your own without the proper knowledge can invalidate it.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are resistant to weather damage. However in the event that you live in an area that is susceptible to icestorms hail, high winds and torrential rainfall, your window frames and seals could be terribly damaged. The best way to ensure your windows are in good condition is to regularly inspect them and repair minor scratches and chips immediately you notice them.
Blown windows are one of the most serious issues that you might encounter with double glazing. They occur when a gap opens between the two glass panes which causes air and moisture to seep into your home. This is usually an indication of deterioration or a problem in the insulating material that is used to separate your panes.
Condensation between the panes is a different issue that double-glazed windows may cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than outside air. The warmer air expands due the temperature difference, which can cause window seals to become weak or break over time.
Double-glazed windows can cause foggy windows. This is a problem that can be solved without replacing the IGU. This is an indication that your window panes' seals require resealing.
To accomplish this, you'll have to drill into the panes of your window. You will need to drill a hole big enough to insert pipe cleaners or another long object, with fabric at the end. The cloth end will be used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any condensate that is left. This will help to form a a tight seal again and prevent any future fogging of your double-glazed windows.
This is an interim solution for foggy windows. The moment that it rains or there's a sudden increase in humidity it will be back to normal. If
