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. However, it can be susceptible to faults like condensation and draughts.
While replacement is the obvious answer to these issues, repairs are often a much cheaper alternative. Let's take a look at some of the most common alternatives for double-glazed window repairs.
Broken Panes
The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear a pair of thick gloves and place an empty cardboard box nearby to catch any pieces of glass that fall during you work. Utilize a utility knife to cut the glazing around the window pane that has been broken and ensure that you wear a mask and eye protection because of the possibility of lead entering the frame. Utilize pliers to remove any clips or nails that are holding the windowpane. Scrape away any old putty or glazing points after the glass has been removed. A heat gun may help soften the putty, if needed.
Once the old putty is removed Re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk with a silicone caulking gun. It is a good idea to test the fit of the new window in its frame before applying the final caulking. Make sure that the grooves are clean of any rust, gunk or paint, and that they are not too narrow for the windowpane to fit into.
Then, replace the sash with an appropriate wood molding that matches the windowframe. If upvc window repairs has become damaged, it is easier and more economical to replace the entire unit than just one pane.
In the past double pane windows were constructed of two pieces of glass separated by a spacer. They were then filled with air or an gas for insulation. In recent years, manufacturers have changed to insulated glass units (IGs) that are more energy-efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In a double-pane windows with a damaged IG the moisture from the air outside is absorbed into the gap and then condenses on the inside of the glass. This cycle eventually breaks the insulating properties of IG and leaves an unclean remnant on the glass.
A glass repair expert could replace the entire IG or only the damaged surface. It can be a lengthy and costly process, but it is the only way to fix a damaged seal that allows water to enter the home. Installing high-quality windows by a professional with experience and purchasing them from a reputable company will help prevent the possibility of future seal issues.
Misty Panes
The window frame holds two or more panes of glass each separated by an air-filled space. The air, often filled with argon gas to ensure greater energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air in and cold air out. Unfortunately, windows can fail and you may notice a hazy, smoky fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time to replace the entire window however, it's not as easy as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it.
A misty window is usually a sign that the seal between two panes of glass has failed. The condensation or mist suggests that moisture has penetrated and is causing damage to the insulation of the double glazing. It is important to maintain your windows and to keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes it means that there is a lot of moisture in your home. It is recommended to dehumidify the room and take other measures to increase the airflow 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's a sign that there's a problem with the seal, and you'll need to fix it.
It is not possible to seal double-glazed windows to bring back the 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 of your home which will make it more expensive to heat.
Some companies provide a service in which they drill holes in the outside of your window and then drain out the condensation, however this is only a short-term solution and won't last for more than six months. It's also not recommended that you try to do this by yourself, as it could be very risky without the proper tools and expertise. A double-glazing expert will use specialist equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and install air vents to ensure that there is no the possibility of misting in the future.
Frame Damage
Double glazing isn't unbreakable and even with the best of care, faults can develop. Some faults are minor and can easily be repaired. Some are more severe and require a complete replacement. The owner of the property should make this decision considering the benefits of double glazing as well as the value that it adds to the property.
If you are having trouble opening or closing your windows, it could be due to misting on the glass or an issue with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of your double glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and stop them from moving, however over time the special packaging that assists in this can wear down. This can cause the glass sheets to move, which could cause the seal to break and lead to misting. The insulating space between the panes may also cause misting, which indicates that there is a broken seal.
A common issue is that windows have sagged with time and are difficult to open or close. This can be corrected by altering the hinges and mechanisms. It is important to remember that many brand new double-glazed windows come with a warranty and in this case it is a good idea to call the company from which you bought your double glazing to get information regarding what to do.
It is possible to repair your own double-glazed windows, but it's generally recommended to speak with a professional and take advantage of their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate double glazing repairs quickly and efficiently. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not trying to repair your windows without having the right skills.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are impervious to weather damage. However, if you live somewhere that is susceptible to icestorms hail, high winds and torrential rain your window frames and seals could be severely damaged. It is crucial to inspect your windows frequently and repair any minor damage or scratches as soon as they are discovered.
Blown windows are among the most serious issues you may encounter when you install double glazing. If a gap is visible between the two panes of glass air and moisture can seep into your home. This is usually an indication of damage to the seals or problems with the insulating material between the panes.
Another problem that many homeowners have when they have double-glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes. This is caused by the warm air inside your house being warmer than the cooler air outside. The difference in temperatures forces the warmer air to expand, which could cause the window's seals to break or weaken over time.
Double-glazed windows can cause foggy windows. The good part is that it's a problem that can often be solved without replacing the IGU. This is usually an indication that the seals between your window's panes must be replaced.
You will need to drill an opening between the window panes. You will have to drill a hole large enough to allow for the installation of pipe cleaners or a long object, with cloth at the end. The cloth ends will be used to wipe your windows clean and eliminate any condensate that is left. This will help create a tighter seal and prevent future fogging.
It is important to remember that this is only an interim solution to your windows that are foggy. When it rains or there is a sudden increase in humidity the condensation will recur. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a brand new one.