How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a good method to increase your home's energy efficiency as well as insulate it. It is susceptible to problems such as condensation and draughts.
While replacement is the obvious answer to these issues but repairs are often a more affordable alternative. Let's take a look at the most common double glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear thick work gloves, and keep a box of cardboard nearby to collect any fragments of glass that fall while you work. Wear a mask and eye protection in case of lead in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut the glazing surrounding the windowpane that has been broken. If clips or nails are securing the windowpane the frame, you can use pliers to pull them out. After the glass has been removed, remove any old putty and metal glazing points. If necessary, a heat gun can be used to soften the putty.
After the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicone caulking tool. Before applying the final caulking it's 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.
Replace the sash next by a wooden molding to match the frame. If the window frame is damaged it might be simpler and cost-effective to replace the entire window unit rather than a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes comprised two pieces of glass, separated by a spacer. They were then filled with air or an insulation gas. In recent years, manufacturers switched to insulated-glass units (IGs) which are more energy-efficient and resistant to seal failure. In a window with a failed IG the air moisture from outside seeps through the gap and condenses inside the glass. This cycle eventually breaks the insulating properties of the IG and leaves an unclean remnant on the glass.
To fix a broken IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit, or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. It can be a lengthy and costly process, but it is the only option 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 can help avoid future seal problems.
Misty Panes
The window's frame is made up of three or more panes, separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is often filled with argon for better energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside it, helps keep cold air out. However, windows with this feature can break down and you might see a hazy, smokey fog between the glass panes. It might seem like it's time to replace the window, but you aren't able to just replace the broken pane.
In the majority of cases, a misted window suggests an issue with the seal between the two panes of glass. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has gotten in and has damaged the insulating qualities of the double-glazing. upvc window repair near me is why it's important to pay attention to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes it indicates that there is a lot of moisture in your home. You should dehumidify and take other steps to improve ventilation in rooms where this occurs frequently. However, if the condensation is only on one side of the window or is visible between the glass's panes, it means that there's an issue with the seal and you'll have to get it repaired.
There is no way to reseal windows with double glazing to bring back its energy efficiency. When the seal breaks down the gap can let cold air into your house and warm air to escape. This can reduce the insulation capacity of your home, making it costlier to heat.
Some companies offer to drill holes in your window's outer pane and take out the condensation. But this is an in-between solution that will unlikely to last for more than six months. It is also advised not to attempt to do this yourself because it can be extremely risky if you don't have the right tools or experience. Double-glazing professionals use special equipment to safely remove the condensation and then install new air vents that should prevent future misting.
Frame Damage
Even with the best care, double glazing can develop problems. Some issues are minor and can be repaired. Some are more severe and require the replacement of the entire window. This is a choice that is taken by the owner of the property, based on the level of benefits they will receive from double glazing and how much value it adds to their home.
If you are having difficulty opening and closing your windows, it could be due to misting or a problem with the frame. If this is the case you need to have your windows fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your double glazing and to stop water from entering the gap between the insulated and uninsulated.
As time passes, the plastic that keeps the glass panes in their frames and keeps them from moving can get worn out. This can cause one or both of the glass sheets to move a bit and cause a break in the seal and leads to misting. The insulating space between the panes may also mist up, indicating that there is a broken seal.
The most frequent issue is windows that have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This can be corrected by adjusting the hinges and mechanisms. Remember that many double-glazed windows are covered by warranties. In this instance you should contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing to learn what you need to do.
Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's better to talk to a professional to benefit from their experience and expertise. Professionals can diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently, and then make the required repairs to your double glazing. This will also help you to avoid voiding your warranty since attempting to repair the windows yourself without proper knowledge can invalidate it.
Weather Damage
While you may think of double pane windows as resistant to weather damage, if you live in an area that is susceptible to ice storms, hail high winds, torrential rains windows, their frames and seals could take some serious battering. It is important to check your windows frequently and repair any minor scratches or chips as soon as they are noticed.
Blown windows are among the most serious issues you might face with your double glazing. They occur when a gap is created between the two glass panes which causes moisture and air to enter your home. This is typically a sign of deterioration, or a problem in the insulation material that divides your panes.
Another problem that many homeowners have when they have double-glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes. This is due to the warm air in your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The warmer air expands because of the difference in temperature, which could cause window seals become weak or break over time.
Double-glazed windows can cause foggy windows. The good part is that it's an issue that can usually be resolved without having to replace the IGU. This is an indication that your window panes' seals need to be resealed.
To do this, you'll need to drill an opening between the window panes. This needs to be big enough to allow you to insert a long pipe cleaner or any other long object that has cloth on the end of it. The cloth ends will be used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any condensate that is left. This will help create an airtight seal and prevent any future fogging of your double glazed windows.
This is only temporary solution for foggy windows. Condensation will return when it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you're seeking a permanent solution, you will have to replace the old IGU.