Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double glazing is a great investment in your home. Over time, it can create problems such as misting and condensation.

This could be caused by a variety of reasons but is usually due to the seals no longer being air-tight, causing a loss in the gas that is used to insulate between the glass panes. It is beneficial to know how to fix double glazing.

Broken Panes

A cat's claw, a loose lawnmower ball, or a stone thrown can cause a double-glazed window to shatter. When this happens, heat or cold air can travel more easily between the two panes of glass, making your home less well-insulated and increasing your energy bills. It's time to replace both windows if they're damaged.

If one of the panes has damaged but is not completely broken it could be feasible to door repair near me it. First take the glass from the frame wearing gloves and safety glasses. Remove the loose putty from the edges that are broken of the glass with the painter's tool, fitter which you can warm using a heatgun. Use aluminum foil to protect adjacent panes from cracking while the putty is being removed.

Once the frame is ready to accept a new pane, grease the cutter with a cheap glass cutting tool available in most hardware stores -- with lightweight oil like WD-40. Cut the glass along the perimeter, about 1 inch from the edge. Then, gently slide the glass to fit into the rabbets or l-shaped grooves in the window frame in which it is placed. Then make use of the tool's chiseled tip to remove any putty that is left over from the edges of the glass.

After the new pane is in place, press the glazier's facets into the frame every six inches around the seam where it meets the glass. Apply a second glaziers compound to the frame-glass joints and smooth using a putty knife. If 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 occur suddenly, particularly in older windows. It's usually caused by pressure differences between two panes which are caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. It is crucial to keep blinds closed in hot weather, and to not open them too often when the sun is shining. This will prevent excessive heat from building between the two panes.

To avoid cracks on your double-glazed windows, ensure that the frames, including the hinges, locking mechanisms and handles are secured. Double-glazed windows should be simple to open and close, without sagging or sticking. Oiling the hinges and mechanisms may assist. You can also adjust the screws and locks so they are secure enough.

It's important to remember that a window that is cracked is not just ugly, but can be very dangerous. If you find shards on the floor, or cracks in the double glazing, it is best to call an emergency glazing expert. It is more beneficial to replace the damaged glass than try and repair it.

If you notice condensation between the two panes, it is a sign that your seals aren't working properly and need to be repaired immediately. A professional glazier with a good reputation will be able to cut into the seal and inject or pump dry agent, usually a desiccant, into the window to rid it of any moisture. This can be a quick, cheap and effective solution to this problem. But be aware that this is a temporary fix and that you will have to replace your windows in the future term.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern with older double glazing. Condensation happens when moisture in the air is drawn into the gap between the glass panes and then evaporates at night. This is a natural occurrence that does not indicate any issue with the glass or windows. However it can be a source of frustration to homeowners because it prevents the double glazing from performing effectively as it should.

The solution is to add vents or trickle vents to the frame, allowing air to flow through, removing the possibility of condensation forming within your home. This will also help keep your home warm and reduce energy bills over time.

A professional can often fix the problem without replacing the entire window. They'll drill a tiny hole into the window to release any trapped moisture 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 experiencing issues. This is so that they can send out a technician to assess the situation and resolve any issues before they become worse. It is also a good idea to have all communication in writing, such as an email or letter, since this will make it easier for you to contest any claims in the future.

While it is possible to complete some repairs yourself, it's normally much faster and more efficient hiring a professional do this. This is particularly true for any problems that require the use of specialist tools. A professional can also provide the guarantee of their work, which you may not receive if you try to fix the double glazing yourself.

Draughts

Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular as they help to increase energy efficiency, cut down on the amount of noise heard in the home and protect furniture from damage caused by UV light. They can also reduce condensation which is a frequent reason for the growth of mould. If they're not properly installed, air could easily escape through the gaps in 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 bar typically contains an ingredient called desiccant which helps draw moisture out of the gap and prevent condensation. The desiccant's capacity to remove moisture from spacer bars diminishes and condensation may form between the glass panes. This is a problem that occurs frequently with double glazing that is not properly made, but it is easily fixed by drilling holes in the glass or spacer and then putting in the dehumidifier.

The space between the two glass panes in a double glazed window acts as an insulation by limiting the flow of cold air from outside to inside your home. Filling the gap with an inert gas such as argon, may enhance the insulation properties more.

Double glazed windows are more costly than single-glazed windows for installation, but they're often well worth the cost as they can reduce cooling and heating costs, protect furniture from UV damage and boost the value of your home. If you're considering installing double-glazed windows in your home, make sure to choose an experienced and skilled installer like Thermawood. Their retrofit double-glazing system allows you to reap the benefits of a quality IGU without having to remove the frames and cladding.

Replacement

Double glazing offers many benefits to homeowners, it improves energy efficiency and reduces condensation and noise. It can also help to reduce the risk of draughts and the growth of mould on window panes. However, they're not indestructible and problems do sometimes occur. You can repair timber windows the majority of double glazing issues instead of replacing them, thereby saving money and the hassle of installing new windows.

One of the most common problems that owners of double glazing window repairs glazing experience is having to fix a leaky window seal. If this is the case, it's essential to get in touch with an expert as quickly as you can to schedule a suitable time for a window repairing fitter to arrive and make the necessary repairs.

A window that is difficult to shut or open can be a source of trouble. This could be due to heat or because the mechanism has become stiff over time. Try cooling the mechanism down and lubricating hinges or handles if this is the problem. Alternatively, it may be that the frame has slightly dropped or sagged and requires to be adjusted.

Misting is another issue that can be easily repaired. This happens because the seals made of rubber that hold the two glass panes together wear out over time. This is usually caused by the frames shifting slightly as they age and settling the special packaging material that holds them in place. This results in one or both panes of your double glazing shifting and breaking the all-important seal.

Misting can be fixed by drilling holes into the affected glass and then removing moisture from inside. This is a temporary fix and must be repeated. A better long-term fix is to put trickle vents in your frames. This allows fresh air to circulate but won't let any warm air escape.