How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is an effective method to boost your home's energy efficiency and protect it. It can have problems like condensation and draughts.
Repairs are usually more affordable than replacement. Let's look at some of the most common alternatives for double-glazed window repairs.
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear a pair of thick gloves and place an empty cardboard box nearby to collect any fragments of glass that fall as you work. Wear a protective eye mask and mask because of the risk of lead in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut the glass surrounding the windowpane that has been broken. Use pliers to remove any clips or nails that are holding the windowpane. Scrape off any old putty or metal glazing points after the glass is removed. A heat gun may help soften the putty if necessary.
After the old putty has been removed Re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk with a silicone caulking gun. It's a good idea to check the fit of the new window within its frame prior to applying the final caulking. Make sure that the grooves are free of any gunk, rust, or paint and aren't too narrow for the window to fit into.
Replace the sash by a wooden molding to match the window frame. If the frame of the window is in poor condition, it may be easier and more cost effective to replace the entire window unit rather than a single pane.
In the past, double pane windows comprised two pieces of glass that were separated by the help of a spacer. upvc window repairs 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 failure of seals. In windows with a failing IG the air moisture from outside reaches the glass and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually degrades the insulating properties and leaves a film of haze on the glass.
A glass repair specialist can either replace the entire IG or only the damaged surface. It can be a lengthy and costly process, but it is the only way to fix a damaged seal allowing water into the home. Installing high-quality windows by a professional who has experience and buying windows from a reputable business will help prevent future seal problems.
Misty Panes
The window frame houses two or more glass panes, each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is typically filled with argon for better energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside it, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, windows can break down and you may be able to see a smokey, hazy fog between the glass panes. It might seem like it's time to replace the window, but it's not possible to just replace the damaged pane.
In most instances, a stained window indicates that there is 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 insulation qualities of double-glazing. This is why it's essential to pay attention to the care of your windows and keep them clean.
Condensation in the panes of your windows is a sign there's a lot of humidity in the home Therefore, it's essential to dehumidify and implement other measures to increase the airflow in areas where this happens frequently. If the condensation is visible only on the one side of your window or between the panes, you'll need to have the seal repaired.
There is no such thing as resealing windows that have double glazing to restore its energy efficiency. When the seal fails the gap will let cold air into your home and warm air to escape. This can reduce the insulation power of your home and will cost you more to heat.
Certain companies offer to drill holes in the panes of your window's exterior to take out the condensation. However it's only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last more than six months. It's also not recommended that you attempt this yourself, since it can be very dangerous without the right tools and expertise. Double-glazing professionals use specialist equipment to safely remove the condensation and then install new air vents that will help stop future misting.
Frame Fragment Damage
Double glazing isn't unbreakable and even with the best of care, defects can occur. Certain issues are minor and can easily be repaired. Some are more severe and require the replacement of the entire window. The owner of the home should take this decision considering the benefits of double glazing, as well as the value it brings to the property.
If you experience difficulty opening and closing your windows it could be caused by misting or a problem with the frame. Repair your windows as quickly as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of double-glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and stop them from shifting, but with time, the special packaging that helps this happens can wear down. This can cause the glass sheets to move, which could rupture the seal and cause misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes can also be misting, indicating that there's a problem with the seal.
A common issue is that windows have sagged with time and are difficult to open or close. This can usually be repaired by changing the hinges or mechanisms. It is worth remembering that many brand new double-glazed windows come with a warranty and in this case it is an ideal idea to contact the company from whom you bought your double glazing to get details regarding what to do.
You can repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it's better to consult with an expert for their expertise and knowledge. Professionals will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate double glazing repairs quickly and effectively. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not trying to repair your windows without having the right 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 rainfall windows and seals could be terribly damaged. It is crucial to inspect your windows regularly and repair any small chips or dents as soon as they are noticed.
Blown windows can be one of the most significant issues that you might encounter with double glazing. They happen when a gap is created between the two glass panes, which causes air and moisture to seep into your home. This is usually a sign of deterioration, or a problem in the insulation material that separates the panes.
Another problem that many homeowners have with double-glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes. This is caused by the warm air inside your house being warmer than the cooler air outside. The warmer air expands due the temperature difference, which could cause window seals to weaken or break over time.
Foggy windows are also an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. The good news is that this is an issue that can usually be resolved without having to replace the IGU. This is a sign that your window's seals require resealing.
You will need to drill an opening between the window panes. The hole should be large enough for you to insert an extended pipe cleaner or any other long object that has cloth at the other end. The cloth end is used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any condensate left behind. This will help create a tighter seal and prevent the possibility of fogging in the future.
It is important to remember that this is only an interim solution to your windows that are foggy. The moment that it rains or there is an abrupt increase in humidity the condensation will recur. If you want a permanent solution, you'll need to replace your IGU with a brand new one.