How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is an effective way to increase the insulation of your home and increase its energy efficiency. It is susceptible to problems such as condensation and draughts.
While replacing windows is the obvious solution to these problems but repairs are often a much more cost-effective alternative. Let' upvc window repair near me at some of the most commonly used double-glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear thick work gloves, and put an open box of cardboard close by to catch any shards of glass that fall while you work. Wear a protective eye mask and mask in case of lead in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut through the glass around the broken windowpane. Make use of pliers to take out any clips or nails that are holding the windowpane. Scrape off any old putty or glazing points after the glass is removed. A heat gun can help in softering the putty if you need to.
Once the old putty has been removed, re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk using a silicone gun. Before applying the final caulking it's a good idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Make sure that the grooves are clean of any gunk, rust or paint, and that they aren't too narrow for the windowpane to fit into.
Replace the sash with a wood moulding to match the window frame. If the window frame is in poor condition it could be easier and cost-effective to replace the entire window unit instead of a single pane.
In the past, double-pane windows were just two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer and then filled with gas or air to create an insulating gas. In recent years, manufacturers have switched to the use of insulated glass units (IGs) that are more efficient in energy use and are resistant to seal failure. In windows that have failed IG moisture from the air outside reaches the glass and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually destroys the insulating properties that are present in the IG and leaves an odourless remnant on the glass.
To fix a damaged IG, a glass repair specialist can replace the entire unit, or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. This process can be expensive and time consuming, but is the only solution to fix the seal that is defective and allows water to enter the home. Installing high-quality windows by a technician who has experience and buying windows from a reputable business can help to prevent the possibility of future seal issues.
Misted Panes
The window frame houses two or more glass panes, each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is often filled with argon for better energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside and cold air out. However, windows with this feature may break and you might see a hazy, smokey fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time to replace the window, but you aren't able to just replace the damaged pane.
A misted window is usually an indication 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. This is the reason it's crucial to be attentive to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it means that there is a lot of moisture in your home. You should dehumidify and take other measures to improve ventilation in areas where this happens often. If the condensation is visible only on one side of your window or between the panes, then you'll require having the seal repaired.
It is not possible to seal double-glazed windows to restore the energy efficiency of the original. If the seal is damaged, the gap allows 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.
Some companies will make holes in the panes of your window's exterior to take out the condensation. But, this is an in-between solution that will unlikely to last for more than six months. It is also not recommended that you attempt this yourself, since it can be very dangerous without the right tools and expertise. A double-glazing expert will use specific equipment to safely remove the condensation and install air vents that should aid in preventing any future misting.
Frame Damage
Double glazing isn't impervious to damage and even with the best of care, faults can develop. Some are minor and can be fixed but others are more serious and need to be replaced entirely. The owner of the house must make this choice, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing as well as the value it brings to the property.
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 should get your windows fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your double glazing and to prevent water entering the insulated gap.
Over time, the protective layer that keeps the glass panes in their frames and stops them from moving can wear out. This can cause one or both glass sheets to move a bit, which breaks the all-important seal and causes misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes can also be misting, indicating that there is a broken seal.
Another common issue is that windows have begun to shrink over time which makes it difficult to open and close them. This can be fixed by adjusting the hinges and mechanisms. Remember that many double-glazed windows come with an insurance policy. In this instance, you should call the company from where you purchased your double-glazed window to find out what to do.
Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's recommended to speak with a professional to benefit from their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and 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 could invalidate it.
Weather Damage
While you may think of double pane windows as resistant to weather damage however, if you live an area susceptible to hail storms, ice storms, high winds and torrential rains windows and seals are prone to some serious battering. It is essential to inspect your windows frequently and repair any small scratches or chips as soon as they are discovered.
Blown windows are one of the most significant problems you may face with double glazing. If a gap is visible between the two glass panes air and moisture can seep into your home. This is typically a sign of deterioration, or a problem in the insulation material that separates your panes.
Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than outside air. The warmer air expands due the difference in temperature which could cause window seals weaken or break over time.
Foggy windows are a common issue with double-glazed windows. The good part is that it's an issue that can usually be solved without replacing the IGU. This is an indication that your window panes' seals need to be replaced.
You'll need to drill an opening between the window panes. You will have to drill a hole big enough to insert pipe cleaners or a long object, with cloth at the end. The cloth end is used to wash your windows clean and eliminate any condensate that is left. This will help to create an airtight seal and prevent any future fogging of your double-glazed windows.
This is only a temporary fix 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 long-term solution, you'll have to replace your IGU with a new one.