Repairing Double Glazed Windows
Whether your double glazed windows are difficult to open or have dropped or sagged, you need to fix them in the earliest time possible. Luckily, they can be fixed without the need for replacement.
Moisture in your double glazing indicates that the seal has failed and this can be repaired easily. The company that sold you the windows will usually fix it for free.
Broken panes
Double-glazed windows that break allow air to leak into or out of the house and reduce the efficiency of insulation. This can put stress on your cooling or heating system, and lead to condensation and draughts.
As long as the frames haven't been damaged, replacing glass panes is easy. The most important thing is to choose the correct size pane of glass, so that it fits into the window frame precisely. This is crucial as the gaps between the panes are what stops hot or cold air from passing through the window and cause damage to your home or energy costs.
Wearing safety eyewear gloves, gloves and a putty tool, pull out the old glazing points from the grooves in the frame (the grooves in the sash that hold the glass). Alternately, you can take off the sash, and then work on it flat on various layers of newspaper.
To measure the glass replacement, measure the width and the height of the rabbets. Then subtract 1/8 inch for each. This ensures that the new pane will fit snugly but can also expand when the weather is warmer or cooler.
When the replacement is in, apply a thin coat of glazier's putting on both the edges of the window as well as the frame itself to secure it. To finish, scrape down the l-shaped grooves that surround the frame and sand any unfinished wood before sealing it with high-end linseed oil or clear wood sealer. When the l-shaped grooves surrounding the frame are finished and sanded, you can remove any bare wood and then seal it with a high-quality clear wood sealer. You can also add new glazier's pointing to the corners if needed.
Condensation between the panes
If you experience condensation between your double glazed windows it can be very difficult as you will not be able to see out. It could also be a sign that the seal is failing and the gas that insulates has been lost, meaning it's time to call an expert for a double glazing repair.
Condensation in the panes of windows with double glazing is caused by water vapor that is present in the air that comes in contact with a cold surface such as a window. The moisture is absorbed into liquid droplets, which can fall on the window and cause it to become cloudy and foggy. It can be a challenge to clear this fog, however, it is possible by placing a towel that has been soaked in vinegar between the panes and leaving it there overnight. This will help to absorb the moisture and prevent the condensation from coming back.
When the condensation between windows is more than an inconvenience, it can lead mould or mildew to develop. This can cause a great deal of damage to your windows, and it's crucial to take care of the problem as soon as you can before it gets worse.
Double glazing that is misted can be quite difficult to open and close, therefore it's important that you fix it as quickly as you can to avoid the risk of draughts and security issues. If you've experienced misty double glazing that isn't due to damage or a defect with the frame, it could be possible to get it repaired by resealing both the glass and frame.
Certain issues with double-glazed windows cannot be fixed. If a door or window is difficult to open, is sagged, or has broken locks or handles, it's likely that you'll need to replace them all.
Draughts
Double glazing is a great option to make your home more efficient in energy use and also reduce the noise pollution. The air gap between the two panes acts as a layer of insulation, which prevents the heat from escaping during winter, keeping your home at a more comfortable temperature. In summer, it can be helpful to keep heat out and lower your energy bills.
Double-glazed windows also provide greater sound resistance, which can be particularly useful for those living in areas with a lot of noise, such as cities. They are also more durable than single pane windows making them difficult to break and can also include modern security locking systems to give you added security.
It is essential to choose an installer who has a lot of experience and knows the ropes. They can guide you on what double glazed options are best for your home. This includes the style of frame and the glass. They can help you choose a window style to complement your home and last for a number of years to come.
The installation process for windows with double glazing is long and requires the removal of the cladding that is in place or internal lining as well as single glazed windows. If not done correctly this could make your home vulnerable to water damage. Additionally, new double glazed windows are costly and may not work for older homes, particularly in the event that you need to replace all windows.
Double-glazed retrofit windows provide the same energy efficiency as the new double-glazed windows, without the need to replace windows. They also offer reduced reflection and protect against UV damage to your furniture. They are also less expensive than installing double-glazed windows and take less time to complete.
Smudging
Although some people with strong DIY skills may be keen to fix their double glazing themselves it is best to leave the work to professionals who can ensure the job is done correctly. Professionals also offer some type of guarantee, which isn't something you'd receive if you did the task yourself.
The seal between the two panes of your glass can break down and cause misting. The insulating gap between the panes is encased using a special packaging that is prone to wear down and compress. This can cause the two panes to shift just a few millimeters, which can cause misting.
In some cases the need for a complete replacement of the window is required. The frame and hinges are often able to be left in place, which is cheaper than buying a new door or window.
A double-glazing repair expert can also replace the window glass and incorporate the latest energy saving advancements including gas filled argon units that have thermal spacer bars (warm edge technology). This can help lower your windows repair heating costs and could be a cost-effective solution to repair or replace the existing double glazed windows if you are happy with their appearance.
These problems can be resolved by adjusting the sagging or dropping of curtains over time. These problems can be caused by extreme weather conditions or the accumulation of drafts. In some instances, a double-glazing repair specialist will be able to fix these issues by caulking them or installing draught strips. In some instances the only way to fix these issues is by caulking or installing draught strips.
Dropping
Double glazing is a great addition to any house, helping to keep the heat in and cold out, reducing your energy bills and making your home more comfortable. Like any window or doors, they will be affected by a variety of issues over time. It is essential to fix any problems with your double-glazing as soon as you can. This will help prevent further damage and loss of efficiency.
Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent double glazing problems can be repaired and in some cases it's more economical to fix than replacing. This is especially the case with misty windows where water seeps between the glass panes, and then collects and leaves them looking grimy or hazy. The majority of the time windows can be fixed to look and function just as they did when they were new.
Other issues that are repairable include difficulty opening or closing windows and frames that are sagging. In certain cases, these issues are solvable by lubricating mechanisms, hinges and handles. However, if the problem persists or is preventing you from locking or opening your windows it's best to contact the company that installed the windows. They'll be able to recommend the most effective solution for your home and supply you with a replacement or repair.
If your double glazing is old it's likely to be more costly to repair than replace it. Very old double glazing is known for its lack of energy efficiency, meaning that you'll be spending a lot more on heating your home than you need to. In this case, replacing the windows with modern ones that are equipped with the latest energy saving advances could save you money over the long term.