How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a cost efficient method to increase the insulation of your home and increase its energy efficiency. It could cause problems like condensation and draughts.
Repairs are usually more affordable than replacement. Let's look at a few of the most commonly used alternatives for repairs to double-glazed windows:
Broken Panes
The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear thick work gloves, and place a box of cardboard nearby to catch any pieces of glass that fall during you work. Use a utility knife to cut the glazing around the broken windowpane, making sure to wear eye protection and a mask due to the possibility of lead in the frame. If nails or clips are holding the windowpane in, use pliers to pull them out. Scrape away any old putty or metal glazing points after the glass is removed. A heat gun may help in softering the putty if you need to.
After the old putty is gone after which you can re-grout the grooves, and then apply silicone caulk using a silicon caulking tool. Before applying the final caulk, it's a great idea to make sure that the new window into its frame. Make sure that the grooves are clean of any rust, gunk, or paint and that they are not too narrow for the window to fit into.
Replace the sash after that with a wood molding to match the frame. If the frame of the window is in a poor state, it may be easier and more cost effective to replace the whole window unit instead of a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were two pieces of glass separated by a spacer, and then filled with air or an insulating gas. In recent years, manufacturers made the switch to insulated-glass units (IGs) that are more energy-efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In a window with a failed IG moisture from the air outside seeps into the gap and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually degrades the insulating properties and leaves a hazy film on the glass.
To fix a damaged IG glass, a glass repair specialist can replace the entire unit or could replace only the damaged surface of the glass. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, but it is the only option to repair a leaky seal that lets water into the home. Installing high-quality windows by a professional with experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help avoid the possibility of future seal issues.
Misted Panes
The window's frame holds two or three panes, separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is typically filled with argon to improve energy efficiency and to keep warm air in, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, sometimes these windows start to break down, and you will notice a hazy fog growing between the panes of the glass. It may seem like it's time to buy a new window, but you can't just replace the broken pane.
A misted window is usually a sign that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The condensation or mist suggests that moisture has gotten in and damaged the insulation of the double glazing. It is important to maintain your windows and keep them clean.
Condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that there's too much humidity in the home, so it's important to dehumidify the area and take other measures to increase the airflow in areas where this happens frequently. If the condensation is only visible on one side of your window or between the panes, then you'll need to have the seal replaced.
There is no such thing as resealing windows that have double glazing to bring back its energy efficiency. If the seal is damaged, the gap will let cold air into your home and warm air to escape. This will affect the insulation capacity of your home which will make it more expensive to heat.
Some companies offer to drill holes in the panes of your window's exterior to remove the condensation. However this is only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last for more than six months. It's not recommended you attempt to do this yourself, as it can be very dangerous without the proper tools and expertise. A double-glazing professional will use special equipment to safely remove the condensation and replace it with new air vents, which should prevent 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 repaired, while others are more severe and require to be replaced entirely. This is a choice that should be made by the owner of the property, taking into account the amount of benefits they get from double glazed windows repair their double glazing and the value it will bring to their home.
If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be due to misting on the glass or a problem with the frame. If this is the case you should get your windows fixed as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage to your double glazing, and to stop water from getting into the gap between the insulated and uninsulated.
The frames of double-glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and prevent them from moving, however over time the special packaging that helps this happens can wear down. This can cause the glass sheets to move, which could cause the seal to break and lead to misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes could also cause misting, which indicates that there is a broken seal.
The most frequent issue is that windows have sagged with time and are difficult to open or close. This can be corrected by changing the hinges and mechanisms. It is important to note that many brand new double-glazed windows come with a warranty and in this situation it's best to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing to get details on what you can do next.
Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's usually recommended to speak with an expert for their expertise and experience. Professionals can determine the problem and provide the appropriate double glazing repairs quickly and effectively. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not attempting to repair your windows without having the right expertise.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are immune to weather damage. However, if you live somewhere that is susceptible to icestorms hail, high winds and torrential rainfall, your window frames and seals could be terribly damaged. It is crucial to inspect your windows frequently and repair any minor damage or scratches as soon as they are discovered.
Blown windows are among the most serious issues you could face when you install double glazing. They happen when a gap opens between the two glass panes, which causes air and moisture to get into your home. This is usually an indication of deterioration in the seals or an issue with the insulating material between your panes.
Another issue that many homeowners face when they have 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 difference in temperature causes the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals break or weaken with time.
Foggy windows are a common problem with double-glazed windows. The good thing is that this is an issue that can usually be solved without replacing the IGU. This is typically an indication that the seals between your window's panes require resealing.
To do this, you will need to drill a hole in between the panes of your window. You will have to drill a hole large enough to accommodate a pipe cleaner or another long object that has fabric at the end. The cloth end will be used to wipe your windows clean and eliminate any condensate left behind. This will help create a tight seal again and stop any further fogging of your double glazed windows.
This is only temporary solution for windows that are hazy. When 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 will need to replace your IGU with a brand new one.