How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a great method to boost your home's energy efficiency and help to insulate it. 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 cheaper alternative. Let's explore some of the most popular double-glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane. Wear a pair of thick gloves and place 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 window pane that is broken. Utilize pliers to remove any nails or clips that are holding the windowpane. After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old putty and glazing points. If necessary, a heat gun can be used to soften the putty.
Once the old putty is removed then re-grout the grooves, and apply the new silicone caulk using a silicone caulking gun. Before applying the final caulking, it's a great idea to make sure that the new window into its frame. Make sure the grooves in the frame are free of rust, paint, or gunk and are not too narrow to fit the window.
Then take the opportunity to replace the sash using the same wood molding as the window frame. If the frame has begun to deteriorate it is simpler and more cost-effective to replace the entire unit instead of only a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer and then filled with gas or air that acted as an insulator. In recent years, manufacturers have switched to glass units that are insulated (IGs) that are more efficient in energy use and are resistant to seal failure. In a double-pane window with a damaged IG water from the air outside gets into the window and then condenses on the inside of the glass. This cycle eventually breaks down the properties of insulation and leaves a film of haze on the glass.
To fix a damaged IG, the glass repair expert can replace the entire unit, or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. This can be costly and time-consuming, however it is the only solution to fix an issue with the seal that allows water to leak into the home. Purchasing high-quality windows from a trusted manufacturer and then having them installed by a trained technician can help prevent future issues with the seals.
Misty Panes
The window frame houses two or more panes of glass each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is usually filled with argon for better energy efficiency and to keep warm air in, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, these windows can break down and you might be able to see a smokey, hazy fog between the glass panes. 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 panes of glass has failed. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has gotten in and has damaged the insulation properties of double-glazing. It is essential to maintain your windows and to keep them clean.
Condensation in the panes of your windows is a sign there's too much humidity in the home, so it's important to dehumidify as well as take other steps to improve the airflow in areas where this happens frequently. However, if the condensation is just on one side of the window, or is visible between the panes of the glass It means there's an issue with the seal, and you'll need to fix it.
There is no such thing as resealing a double-glazed window to restore its original energy-efficiency. If the seal is damaged the gap will let cold air into your house and warm air to escape. This will affect the insulation capacity of your home, making it more expensive to heat.
Some companies provide a service in which they drill holes into the outer pane of your window to drain out the condensation, however this is a temporary solution and won't last longer than six months. It's not recommended you attempt to do this by yourself, as it could be extremely dangerous without the proper tools and knowledge. Double-glazing specialists will employ specific equipment to safely remove the condensation and install air vents that should help prevent any future misting.
Frame Damage
Double glazing isn't unbreakable and even with the best of care, faults can develop. Some are minor and can be fixed while others are more window repairs serious and require to be replaced completely. The owner of the home should make this decision, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing and the value it brings to the property.
If you experience difficulty opening and closing your windows, it could be due to misting or a problem with the frame. Repair your windows as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of double glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in place and prevent them from moving, but with time, the special packaging that helps this happens will wear away. This can cause one or both glass sheets to move slightly, which breaks the all-important seal and causes misting. Mist can also form within the gap that is used to insulate between the panes and the glass, indicating that the seal has broken and it's time for double glazing repairs.
A common issue is that windows have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This can be fixed by changing the hinges and mechanisms. Remember that many double-glazed windows come with an insurance policy. In this case you should contact the company from which you bought your double glazing to learn what you need to do.
Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's usually better to consult with an expert to benefit from their expertise and experience. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and make the necessary double glazing repairs. You can also avoid voiding your warranty by not attempting to repair your windows without having the right knowledge.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are impervious to weather damage. However in the event that you live in an area that is prone to icestorms, hail, high wind and torrential rain your window frames and seals could be severely damaged. It is important to check your windows frequently and repair any damage or scratches as soon as they are noticed.
Blown windows are one of the most serious problems that you might face when you install double glazing. When there is a gap between the two panes of glass air and moisture can be able to enter your home. This is usually a sign of deterioration or a flaw in the insulating material that separates your panes.
Condensation between the panes is another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This occurs when the warm air inside your home is warmer than outside air. 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 also an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. The good thing is that this is an issue that can usually be resolved without having to replace the IGU. This is typically an indication that the seals between the windows need to be resealed.
To do this, you will have to make into the panes of your window. The hole should be large enough to allow for the installation of a long pipe cleaner or any other long object that has fabric on the end. The cloth ends will be used to clean your windows down and remove any condensate that is left. This will help create a tight seal again and prevent any future fogging of your double glazed windows.
It's important to keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution for your windows that are foggy. Condensation will return when it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you're looking for a permanent solution, you'll need to replace your IGU with a fresh one.