How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a cost effective method to make your home more energy efficient and to increase its energy efficiency. It is susceptible to problems such as 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. Wear thick gloves and put a cardboard box nearby to catch any glass fragments that fall as you work. Utilize a utility knife to cut the glass around the windowpane that has been damaged and make sure you wear eye protection and a mask due to potential lead in the frame. Use pliers to remove any clips or nails that are holding the windowpane. Scrape away any old putty or glazing points after the glass has been removed. A heat gun can be used to soften the putty, if needed.
After the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves and apply silicone caulk with 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 that the grooves inside the frame are not contaminated by paint, rust, or gunk, and are not too narrow to accommodate the window.
Replace the sash with a wood moulding to match the windowframe. If the window frame is in poor condition it might be simpler and more cost effective to replace the whole window unit instead of just a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were two pieces of glass separated by a spacer, and then filled with gas or air to create an insulating gas. In recent years, companies have switched to insulated-glass units (IGs) which are more energy efficient and resistant to seal failure. In a double-pane glass with a failed IG, moisture from the environmental air gets into the window and then condenses inside of the glass. This process eventually erodes the properties of insulation, leaving a film of haze on the glass.
A glass repair expert can either replace the entire IG or replace just the damaged surface. It can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it is the only way to fix a damaged seal allowing water into the home. Installing windows of high-quality by a technician with experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help to prevent any future problems with seals.
Misted Panes
The window frame holds two or more panes of glass that are separated by an air-filled space. The air, often filled with argon gas for better energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air in and cold air out. However, windows with this feature may break and you may be able to see a smokey, hazy fog between the glass panes. You may think it's time to replace the entire window but it's not as simple as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it.
A window that is misty is typically an indication that the seal between two panes of glass has failed. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has entered and is causing damage to the insulation of the double glazing. It is crucial to keep your windows and to keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes it means that there is too much moisture in your home. It is recommended to dehumidify the room and take other measures to increase the airflow in rooms where this occurs often. If the condensation is visible only on one side of your window or between the panes, you'll require having the seal replaced.
There is no way to reseal windows with double glazing to restore its energy efficiency. If the seal is damaged the gap opens up cold air in your home and warm air out. This will damage your home's insulating ability which will make it more expensive to heat.
Some businesses offer a service where they drill holes in the outside of your window to drain out the condensation, but this is only a short-term solution and won't last more than six months. It's also not recommended that you try to do this yourself, since it could be very risky without the proper tools and knowledge. Double-glazing specialists will employ specific equipment to safely remove the condensation and install air vents that should ensure that there is no future misting.
Frame Fragment Damage
Double glazing isn't unbreakable and even with the best of care faults can develop. Some faults are minor and can be repaired. Other issues are more severe and require the replacement of the entire window. This is a choice to be taken by the owner of the property, based on the level of benefits they get from their double glazing and the value it can bring to their home.
If you are having trouble opening or closing your windows it could be caused by misting on the glass or an issue with the frame. If this is the case, you must have your windows repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your double glazing and to prevent water entering the insulated gap.
The frames of double glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and stop them from moving, however over time the special packaging that assists in this may wear down. This could cause one or both of the glass sheets to shift slightly and cause a break in the seal, which can cause misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes can also be misting, indicating that there is a broken seal.
A common issue is that windows have sagged with time and are difficult to open or close. This can be fixed by changing the mechanisms and hinges. Be aware that a lot of double-glazed windows are covered by an insurance policy. In this case you must contact the company where you purchased your double-glazed window to find out what you can do.
You can repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it's recommended to speak with a professional to benefit from their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently, and then make the necessary double glazing repairs. This will also allow you to keep your warranty intact, as trying to fix windows yourself without having the right knowledge could invalidate it.
Weather Damage
While you may think of double pane windows as immune to weather damage however, if you live an area that is susceptible to hail, ice storms high winds, and torrential rains windows and seals are susceptible to some serious battering. It is crucial to inspect your windows regularly and repair any damage or scratches as soon as they are noticed.
Blown windows are one of the most serious problems that 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 usually an indication of damage to the seals or a problem with the insulating material that is between the panes.
Another issue that many homeowners face when they have 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 difference in temperature causes the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals break or weaken with time.
Double-glazed windows can also double glazed windows repairs lead to foggy windows. The good news is that this is a problem that can often be fixed without having to replace the IGU. This is typically an indication that the seals between your window's panes need to be resealed.
To do this, you will need to drill an opening between the window panes. This needs to be big enough to allow you to insert a long pipe cleaner or other object that is long with cloth on the other end. The cloth ends will be used to clean your windows clean and remove any condensate left behind. This will create a tighter seal and prevent any further fogging.
It's important to note that this is an interim solution to your windows that are foggy. Condensation will occur again as soon as it rains, or there is an increase in humidity. If you want a permanent solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a new one.