Double Glazed Window Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Repair a Double Glazed Window Double glazing is a cost efficient method to make your home more energy efficient and to increase its energy efficiency. However, it is susceptible to problems like condensation and drafts. While replacing windows is the obvious solution to these issues, 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 thick work gloves and put a cardboard box close by to catch any glass shards that fall during your work. Wear a mask and eye-protection in case of lead in the frame. Utilize a utility knife to cut through the glass around the windowpane that has been broken. Use pliers to remove any nails or clips that are holding the windowpane. Scrape off any old putty or metal glazing points after the glass is removed. If required, a heating gun can be used to soften the putty. Once the old putty is removed, re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk using a silicone caulking gun. Before applying the final caulking it is a good idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Check that the grooves in the frame are free of rust, paint, or gunk, and aren't too narrow to fit the window. Then, replace the sash with the same wood molding as the window frame. If the window frame has become damaged it is simpler and more economical to replace the entire unit rather than only a single pane. In the past, double-pane windows were just two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer and filled with gas or air to create an insulating gas. In recent years, companies have switched to insulated-glass units (IGs) that are more energy efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In a double-pane glass with a damaged IG, moisture from the environmental air gets into the window and then condenses inside of the glass. This process eventually destroys the insulating properties of IG and leaves an unclean remnant on the glass. To repair a damaged IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit or could replace only the damaged surface of the glass. It can be a lengthy and costly process, but it's the only way to fix a damaged seal that allows water to enter the home. Purchase high-quality windows from trusted manufacturer and then having them installed by an experienced technician will help avoid future issues with the seals. Misty Panes The window frame is made up of two or more panes of glass each separated by an air-filled space. The air, often filled with argon gas for better energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air inside and cold air out. Unfortunately, windows can start to break down and you'll notice a cloud of haze growing between the panes of glass. It may seem like it's time to replace the entire window but it's not as easy as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it. In most cases, a misted window indicates an issue with the seal between the two panes that comprise the glass. The condensation or mist suggests that moisture has entered, which damages the insulation of the double glazing. This is why it's important to be attentive to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean. Condensation between the panes of your windows can indicate that there's a high level of humidity in the home, so it's important to dehumidify as well as implement other measures to increase ventilation in the rooms where this occurs frequently. If the condensation is only on one side of the window or is visible between the glass's panes It's a sign that there is a problem with the seal and you'll have to have it fixed. There is no such thing as resealing windows with double glazing to restore its original energy-efficiency. When the seal breaks down the gap will allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape. This can damage the insulation of your home which will make it more expensive to heat. upvc window repair near me offer to make holes in the window's pane of glass to drain the condensation. However, this is a temporary solution that is unlikely to last for more than six months. You should not attempt to do this yourself, as it is very dangerous if you don't have the proper tools or know-how. A double-glazing professional will use specially designed equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and then install new air vents. This will help stop any future misting. Frame Damage Even with the best of care double glazing is susceptible to developing faults. Some are minor and can be fixed but others are more severe and need to be replaced completely. This is a choice that should be made by the owner of the property, taking into consideration the amount of benefits they will receive from double glazing and the value it will bring to their home. If you are having trouble opening or closing your windows it could be due to misting on your glass or a problem with the frame. Repair your windows as soon as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing. The frames of double-glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in their place and stop them from shifting, but as time passes, the particular packaging that assists in this will wear away. This could cause one or both of the glass sheets to shift slightly, which breaks the all-important seal and causes misting. Mist may also form in the insulating gap between the panes, again indicating that the seal has been damaged and it's now time for double glazing repairs. Another common issue is that the windows are beginning to shrink over time and make it difficult to open and close them. This can be fixed by adjusting the mechanisms and hinges. Remember that many double-glazed windows are covered under a warranty. In this case, you should contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing to find out what you can do. Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's usually better to talk to an expert to benefit from their expertise and experience. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and perform the required repairs to your double glazing. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not attempting to repair your windows without proper skills. Weather Damage Double pane windows are resistant to weather damage. However should you live in a place where you are susceptible to ice storms hail, high winds and torrential rain your window frames and sealings can be seriously damaged. The best way to ensure your windows remain in good shape is to regularly inspect them and repair minor scratches and chips immediately you notice them. Blown windows are among the most serious problems that you could face with double glazing. When there is a gap 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 your panes. Another issue that many homeowners face with their double glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes. This is due to the warm air inside your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The difference in temperature causes the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals to crack or weaken over time. Foggy windows are an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. The good news is that this is an issue that can usually be solved without replacing the IGU. This is typically an indication that the seals between the windows need to be resealed. You'll need to make an opening between the window panes. You will need to drill a hole big enough to insert pipe cleaners or a long object, with fabric at the end. The cloth end will be used to wash your windows clean and remove any condensate left behind. This will help create a more secure seal and avoid future fogging. It's important to note that this is only an interim solution to your windows that are foggy. The moment that it rains or there's 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 new one.