Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is an excellent investment for your home. However, over time it could develop issues like misting or condensation.
This can be caused by many reasons, but it's typically due to the seals not being airtight. upvc door repairs causes an absence of the insulating gases that are located between the glass panes. Understanding how to fix your double glazing will help.
Broken Panes
A cat's claw, an errant lawnmower ball, or even a stone that is thrown can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. This allows cold or heat to flow more easily between two layers of glass, which can result in lower insulation and increasing energy costs. If both windows are shattered and you're in need of an expert to replace the windows.
However, if one the panes is cracked, not completely shattered it could be possible to repair it. The first step is to remove the old pane from the frame wearing gloves and work glasses. Then using a painter's tool and gradually warming it using a heat gun, remove the loose putty from the edges of the broken glass. Put a piece of aluminum foil over the glass to stop them from fracturing as the putty is removed.
Once the frame is ready for the new pane, you need to make sure to lubricate the cutter using a cheap glass cutting tool available in most hardware stores -- using lightweight oil like WD-40. Cut around the perimeter of the glass, about 1 inch from the edge. Then, place the glass inside the rabbets (the l-shaped grooves) in the window frame. Use the chiseled edge of the tool to remove any excess putty around the edge.
Once the new pane is installed, press the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the edge where it joins the glass. Then, apply a second cord of glazier's compound to the frame-glass joint, and smooth it using the putty knife. If your windows are made of metal, you can paint the joints using a primer designed to keep rust from happening.
Cracks
Even though it is rare, double glazing cracks can happen suddenly, especially in older windows. It's usually caused by 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 up too much when the sun shines. This will stop excessive heat from forming between the two panes.
To prevent cracks from occurring on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, especially the hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles, are secured. A well-constructed double glazed window should also be easy to open and close, with no sagging or sticking. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms could assist. You can also adjust the screws and locks so that they are tight enough.
Be aware that a cracked glass window could be dangerous. If you find cracks in your double glazing and can see glass shards that are falling off on the floor, contact an emergency glazier since it's best to replace the broken glass completely rather than fixing it.
If you notice condensation between the two panes, it is an indication that your seals aren't functioning properly and need to be repaired immediately. A reputable glazier could drill into the sealed unit to inject or pump in dry agent (typically a desiccant) to remove any moisture. This is a simple and inexpensive solution. Be aware that this is 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 space between the glass panes and then condenses at night. This is a normal occurrence that does not signal any issues with the windows or glass. However it can be a source of frustration for homeowners since it stops the double glazing from performing as efficiently as it should.
Install vents or trickle-vents on the frame to let air flow, preventing condensation in your home. The addition of this feature will also aid in keeping heat inside the home and decrease energy bills in the long term.
A professional is often able to resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. They'll drill a 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 immediately you begin having issues. This is so that they can send out a technician to assess the situation and fix any issues prior to them getting worse. It is also a good idea to keep all communications in writing, like an email or letter since this will make it easier to contest any claims that you may have in the future.
It is possible to repair certain things yourself, but it is generally faster and more efficient to work with an expert. This is particularly applicable to any issues that require the use of specialist tools. Furthermore professionals will usually offer some sort of guarantee for their work which you will not necessarily get if you try and fix the double glazing yourself.
Draughts
Double-glazed windows are becoming more popular due to their efficiency in energy use, reduce noise levels inside the home, and protect furnishings from UV rays. They can also help to minimize condensation, which is a typical cause of mould. If they aren't properly installed, air can easily leak through the gaps in between the glass panes, causing the air to draught.
In double-glazed windows the space between the two panes is filled with an insulating gas. The spacer bars typically contain a desiccant which assists in drawing moisture out of the gap, which prevents interior condensation. However, when the desiccant ceases to function to eliminate moisture from the spacer bar, it is possible for condensation to develop between the panes of glass. This is a problem that occurs frequently when double glazing is poorly made, but it can be easily repaired by drilling holes in the glass or spacer and after that, putting in the dehumidifier.
The space between two panes of a double-glazed window acts as an insulator, stopping cold air from transferring into your home. The insulation efficiency is 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 generally worth the investment as they can reduce cooling and heating costs, protect furniture from UV damage and can improve the value of your home. If you are considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, you should consult an experienced installer such as Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system lets you to take advantage of all the benefits of a high-quality IGU without removing existing frame and cladding.
Replacement
Double glazing can bring numerous benefits to homeowners. it increases energy efficiency, reduces condensation and noise. It also decreases the chance of draughts or the build-up of mould on the window panes. They are not indestructible and occasionally, issues 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.
One of the most frequent problems that homeowners with double glazing face is the need to repair a leaking window 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 repairs required.
Another issue occurs when a window becomes difficult to open or close. This could be due heat or because the mechanism has become stiffer as time passes. If this is the case, you can try cooling the mechanism and lubricating the handles and hinges. It may also be that the frame is slightly dropping or sagging and needs to be realigned.
Misting is also something that can be fixed easily. The seals made of rubber that hold the two panes of glass together wear out over time. The frames tend to move in a slight manner in time and the packaging material that keeps them in place shrinks. This causes the panes to move and break the seal.
Misting can be treated by drilling holes into the affected glass and then removing the moisture from within. This is a temporary solution and must be repeated. The best long-term solution is to add trickle vents into your frames, which will allow fresh air to flow in but won't let any of the warm air escape.