How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a cost efficient method to insulate your home and improve its energy efficiency. It is susceptible to problems such as condensation and draughts.
Repairs are usually more affordable than replacement. Let's explore some of the most commonly used double-glazed window repair options:
Broken Panes
The first step is removing the broken pane. Wear thick work gloves, and put a box of cardboard nearby to collect any fragments of glass that fall during you work. Make use of a utility knife cut the glazing around the broken windowpane, making sure to wear an eye mask and mask due to the possibility of lead in the frame. If clips or nails are holding the windowpane in, use pliers to pull them out. Scrape away any old putty or metal glazing points after the glass has been removed. If required, a heating gun can be used to soften the putty.
After the old putty is gone then re-grout the grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicone caulking tool. It is a good idea to check the fit of the new window within its frame before applying the final caulking. Make sure the grooves are free of any gunk, rust or paint and that they are not too narrow for the window to fit in.
Replace the sash with a wood moulding to match the windowframe. If the windowframe is damaged it might be simpler and more cost-effective to replace the whole window unit instead of one pane.
In the past windows with double panes were made of two pieces of glass separated with a spacer. They were then filled with air or an insulation gas. In recent years, manufacturers have switched to glass units that are insulated (IGs) that are much more efficient in energy use and are resistant to seal failure. In a double-pane glass with a damaged IG the moisture from the surrounding air gets into the window and condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually degrades the properties of insulation and leaves a film of haze on the glass.
To fix a damaged IG glass, a glass repair specialist can replace the entire unit or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but it is the only option to fix a damaged seal that allows water to enter the home. Purchase high-quality windows from trusted manufacturer and then having them installed by a skilled technician can help prevent future problems with the seals.
Misted 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 to improve energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside it, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, windows may break and you might notice a hazy, smoky fog between the glass panes. It could be that it's time for a new window, but you aren't able to simply replace the broken one.
A misty window is usually an indication that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The mist or condensation indicates that moisture has entered, which damages the insulation of the double glazing. This is why it's important to be attentive to the care of your windows and keep them clean.
Condensation between the panes of your windows can indicate that there's a high level of humidity in the home, so it's important to dehumidify and take other steps to improve the airflow in rooms where this happens often. If the condensation is visible on the side of the window or between the panes, you will need to have the seal repaired.
It is not possible to reseal double-glazed windows to restore the original energy efficiency. If the seal is damaged the gap will let cold air into your home, and warm air to escape. This will damage your home's insulating ability and make it more costly to heat.
Some companies will drill holes into your window's outer pane and drain the condensation. However it's only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last more than emergency window repair six months. It is also not recommended that you attempt to do this yourself, since it could be very risky without the proper tools and knowledge. A double-glazing expert will use specialist equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and install air vents that should aid in preventing the possibility of misting in the future.
Frame Damage
Even with the best of care, double glazing can develop problems. Some faults are minor and can easily be repaired. Some are more severe and require a complete replacement. The owner of the property must make this choice considering the benefits of double glazing as well as the value it can bring to the property.
If you experience difficulty opening and closing your windows, it could be due to misting or a problem with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as quickly as you can to prevent further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of your double-glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and prevent them from moving, however with time, the special packaging that helps this happens may wear down. This could cause one or both of the glass sheets to move slightly and break the seal and leads to misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes may also cause misting, which indicates that there is a breach in the seal.
A common problem is windows that have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This can be fixed by adjusting the hinges and mechanisms. Be aware that a lot of double-glazed windows come with warranties. In this case, you should contact the company from which 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 an expert for their expertise and experience. Professionals will be able to determine the problem and provide the correct double glazing repairs quickly and effectively. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not trying to fix your windows without having the right expertise.
Weather Damage
Although you may think of double pane windows as being resistant to weather damage, if you live in an area that is susceptible to hail storms, ice storms high winds, torrential rains windows and seals could take some serious damage. The best way to make sure your windows are in good condition is to inspect them regularly and repair minor scratches and chips as soon as you discover them.
Blown windows are among the most serious issues you may encounter with your double glazing. They occur when a gap forms between the two glass panes, which causes moisture and air to get into your home. This is typically an indication of damage to the seals or problems with the insulating material that is between your panes.
Condensation between the panes is yet another problem that double-glazed windows can cause. This occurs when the warm air inside your home is warmer than the outside air. The warmer air expands because of the difference in temperature, which can cause window seals to become weak or break over time.
Foggy windows are also a common problem with double-glazed windows. The good thing is that this is an issue that can be fixed without having to replace the IGU. This is a sign that your window's seals require resealing.
To do this, you'll have to make into the window panes. It should be big enough to allow you to insert a long pipe cleaner or any other long object that has cloth at the other end. Then, you'll need to use the cloth to wipe down your windows and eliminate any condensation that is not removed. This will help to form a a tight seal again and stop any further fogging of your double-glazed windows.
This is a temporary fix for windows that are foggy. Condensation will return as soon as it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you want a permanent solution, you'll have to replace your IGU with a fresh one.