Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary
Double-glazing windows are a great way to save energy. They are susceptible to damage over time. Fortunately, they are easy to repair.
A leaky seal can be detected by foggy glass, condensation between the panes, or mist. A professional can often resolve this issue without needing to replace the entire window.
Broken Panes
A rock, a baseball thrown or even a strong wind can cause cracks in a double-pane window. When this happens, it's difficult to determine if the whole window should be replaced or if the insulation benefits of this kind of glass can be restored by an easy repair.
Luckily, repairing a broken glass pane in a double glazed window isn't as difficult as it might seem. You can do it yourself if you have the right materials and know how to make use of them. By using the right tools, you will avoid causing any further damage to your windows. You can also avoid injuries dealing with glass that is sharp.
The first step is to take off the old sealant around the broken glass. You can do this manually as long as you have gloves to protect yourself and a way to dispose of the waste close at hand. You can make use of a multi-purpose knife or deglazing tools to accomplish the task. Once you have removed the sealant lift the damaged pane and put it in a safe place to be stored for the interim.
The next step is to prepare the frame. Use an utility knife to scrape away any caulking or paint from the rabbets. You can then apply a paint stripper or sandpaper, to expose the exposed wood. Apply a coat of primer for exterior use to the surface that is exposed.
After the rabbets have been prepared then you can apply putty to them to prepare them for reinstalling the new glass pane. The putty needs to be warm and malleable so that it can be pressed in the rabbets. It is essential to press evenly across the entire surface so that there aren't any gaps.
Once the putty is set, you can put back in the wooden stops and silicone the edges to ensure that double pane windows are as tight as you can. You should also replace the weather stripping at the bottom of your frames to increase the airflow and stop water from entering the home. This can also reduce your energy costs.
Foggy Glass
Often, foggy windows are a sign that seals have failed and that moisture and draughts be able to get into the gaps. Most frequent in humid and wet climates, where wooden frames can be damaged by too much condensation and moisture. In this case you might need to replace the window, however, it's usually cheaper if the glass unit can be repaired.
To ensure that the glass is not broken, drill small holes inside the frame with a carbide-tipped bit. The trapped moisture can be eliminated using dehumidifiers, or a cleaning agent. It's important to avoid doing this on a day that's extremely hot or cold. This could cause the glass to break. Wear safety glasses and gloves since you'll be working with sharp tools close to the glass.
Once the fog has gone, you can add small spray tubes to one of the holes and use it to wash the glass. After the window has dried it is possible to apply caulk around the hole and the glass's edge to shield it from the elements.
You may be able fix the leaky seals by yourself if you are a DIY expert. However, this is risky and you'll need to check the condition of the plug when it is inserted into the gap. Even if the issue is solved it is likely to recur within a period of six months since moisture will re-infiltrate the gap. This could cause draughts, electrical hazards, and condensation in the home. This is the reason it's recommended to hire a certified tradesperson to complete the task.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation on double-paned windows is more than an issue. It is a sign that the seals are not working. This allows moisture to move in which could damage the gaskets and when the condensation is very severe, can also jam or cause rot to wooden window frames. The most common method to address this issue is to have the window replaced with a new unit with proper gaskets and seals.
This can be expensive and is not always feasible. Especially when both or one of the panes is cracked or shattered. There are, however, alternatives to replacing the entire glass unit to offer long-term double glazing repair solutions.
The first step is to remove any condensation with a commercial defogging solution such as WD-40 Original For Windows. This spray can be used on both sides of glass and absorb moisture in a matter of minutes. This should be done once a day at the very minimum, however you can repeat the process if you need to.
If the issue persists, it might be necessary to make a couple of tiny holes into the exterior of the window, just below the bottom edge. When the sun shines through the glass, it warms up and if there's any condensation in the window, it will move toward the holes, and then be sucked out through the holes as the air expands. This will usually clear the window, but it will not solve the original problem.
Alternatively, it is possible to employ a hole-free approach but this will not perform as well and could run the risk of cracking or shattering the glass. This is a long-term option that involves the application of a special glue in the cracks. It may be effective, but not as good as a replacement using a complete seal. It is recommended to hire an expert to ensure the process is correctly followed and to avoid problems caused by leaks or condensation.
Mist
When mist forms on windows, it is usually a sign that the seal of the window has failed. In some instances, this can be repaired. However, in most cases it will require replacing the unit.
This problem can occur with both old and new double-glazed windows. It is usually caused by an extreme temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. This can cause moisture to form inside the glass as the cold air comes in contact with warm air. The condensation then dry on the surface of the window making fog or mist.
Modern double glazing works by filling the gaps between the glass panes with argon. This serves as a barrier between warm and cold air. The area is also sprayed with a special silica-based formula that is designed to wick away moisture between the glass panes. It is not uncommon for the chemicals to degrade over time though and that is when you'll begin to notice the accumulation of moisture in the windows.
If the condensation is only occurring on the inside of the double-glazed windows, it could be possible to have them repaired instead of local double glazing repair being replaced. The repair involves taking your sealed unit out of the frame. Splitting the panes from the spacer bars, and cleaning them thoroughly. The result should be a clear window that has no condensation inside. This is a great option for those who want to save money but don't want replace their windows.
If you have broken glass, extensive rot, or frames that have lost their integrity then it is likely that replacement is needed. However, if you have issues with the window seal then it may be possible to save your windows and make them much more energy efficient again. You can contact a local company specializing in double-glazed window repairs and discover what alternatives you have to fix the current glass.