The Most Pervasive Problems In Double Glazed Window Repair
How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is an effective method to boost your home's energy efficiency as well as help to insulate it. However, it can be susceptible to faults like condensation and draughts.
While replacement is the most obvious answer to these issues however, repairs are often a much cheaper alternative. Let's look at some of the most commonly used options for repairs to double-glazed windows:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear a pair of thick gloves and put a box of cardboard nearby to collect any fragments of glass that fall during you work. Wear a mask and eye-protection because of the risk of lead in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut through the glass around the windowpane that has been broken. Use pliers to remove any nails or clips that are securing the windowpane. After the glass is removed, scrape off any old putty or metal glazing points. A heat gun can be used to soften the putty if necessary.
Once the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves, and apply new silicone caulk using a silicone caulking gun. Before applying the final caulk it's a good idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Be sure that 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 next with a wood molding to match the frame. If the frame of the window is in poor condition it might be simpler and cost-effective to replace the entire window unit rather than just a single pane.
In the past double pane windows were made of two pieces of glass, separated by an air spacer. They were then filled with air or an insulation gas. In recent years, manufacturers changed to insulated glass units (IGs) that are more energy efficient and resistant to seal failure. In windows with a failing IG the air moisture from outside seeps through the gap and condenses inside the glass. This cycle eventually breaks down the properties of insulation, leaving a hazy film on the glass.
To repair a damaged IG, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit, or can replace only the damaged surface of the glass. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, but it is the only solution to fix the seal that is defective and allows water to enter the home. Selecting high-quality windows from a reputable manufacturer and having them installed by a trained technician can prevent further issues with the seals.
Misty Panes
The window frame holds two or more panes of glass that are separated by an air-filled space. The air, usually filled with argon gas for greater energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air in and cold air out. Unfortunately, upvc window repairs can begin to crack and you'll see a hazy cloud building up between the panes of glass. You might think it's time to replace the entire window, but it's not as easy as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it.
A window that is misty is typically a sign that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has entered and is causing damage to the insulation of the double glazing. It is essential to maintain your windows and to keep them clean.
Condensation in the panes of your windows can indicate that there's a high level of humidity in the house, so it's important to dehumidify and take other measures to increase ventilation in the rooms where this happens frequently. If the condensation is only visible on the side of the window or between the panes, you'll require having the seal repaired.
There is no such thing as resealing windows with double glazing to restore its original energy-efficiency. If the seal is damaged the gap can allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. This will affect the insulation of your home, making it more expensive to heat.
Certain companies offer to drill holes in the panes of your window's exterior to drain the condensation. But it's an in-between solution that will unlikely to last for more than six months. It's also not recommended that you attempt this yourself, as it could be extremely dangerous without the right tools and knowledge. Double-glazing professionals use specialist equipment to safely remove the condensation and install new air vents, which should prevent future misting.
Frame Fragment Damage
Double glazing isn't impervious to damage and even with the best of care, defects can occur. Certain issues are minor and can easily be fixed. Others are more severe and require the replacement of the entire window. This is a decision to be made by the owner of the property, taking into consideration the benefits they will receive from double glazing and how much value it can bring to their home.
If you have trouble opening and closing your windows, it could be caused by misting or an issue with the frame. You should 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 hold the glass panes in place and stop them from moving, however as time passes, the particular packaging that helps this happens may wear down. This could cause one or both of the glass sheets to move slightly and break the seal and leads to misting. Mist may also form in the gap that is used to insulate between the panes which indicates that the seal has broken and it's time to repair double glazing.
Another issue that is common is that the windows have begun to shrink over time which makes it difficult to open and close them. This is usually fixed by altering the hinges or mechanisms. It is worth remembering that many new double glazed windows are covered by a guarantee and in this situation it's best to call the company from which you bought your double glazing to get information on what to do next.
It is possible to repair your own double glazed windows, but it's generally recommended to speak with a professional and make use of their expertise and experience. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and perform the necessary double glazing repairs. You can also avoid voiding your warranty by not attempting to fix your windows without proper knowledge.
Weather Damage
While you might think of double pane windows as being resistant to weather damage, if you live in an area susceptible to hail storms, ice storms, high winds and torrential rains, your window frames and seals could take some serious battering. It is crucial to inspect your windows on a regular basis and repair any small damage or scratches as soon as they are discovered.
Blown windows can be one of the most significant issues that you might encounter with double glazing. When a gap appears between the two glass panes air and moisture can get into your home. This is typically an indication of deterioration in the seals or a problem with the insulating material that is between the panes.
Another issue that many homeowners have with double-glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than the outside air. The warmer air expands because of the difference in temperature, which can cause window seals to become weak or break over time.
Foggy windows are a common problem with double-glazed windows. This is a typical issue that can be solved without replacing the IGU. This is an indication that your window's seals require resealing.
You will need to drill an opening between the window panes. It should be big enough for you to insert an extended pipe cleaner or any other long object that has cloth at the end. Then, you'll need to use the cloth end to wipe down your windows and get rid of any excess condensation. This will create an even seal and stop the possibility of fogging in the future.
This is only an interim solution for windows that are foggy. The moment that it rains or there is an abrupt increase in humidity it will be back to normal. If you are looking for a permanent solution you'll have to replace your old IGU.