Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic method to conserve energy. However, they can be damaged over time. Fortunately they can be repaired fairly easily.
A leaky seal can be detected by foggy glass, condensation between the panes, or mist. A professional can usually solve this issue without having to replace the entire window.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a an errant rock, or even the force of a powerful wind can crack windows with double panes. If this happens, it's difficult to determine if the entire window has to be replaced or if the insulation benefits of this kind of glass can be restored with an easy repair.
Repairing a damaged glass pane inside a double-glazed window isn't as complicated as it appears. If you have the right tools and know how to use it you can repair it yourself. With the right tools, you will avoid further damage to your windows. You are also able to avoid injuries by handling sharp glass.
The first step is to take the old sealant from the broken glass. This can be accomplished by hand, as long that you wear gloves and have a method for waste disposal close at hand. You can use a multi-purpose knife or deglazing tool to complete the task. Once you have removed the sealant lift out the broken pane and place it in a safe location to store it for a while.
The next step is to prepare the frame. Use an utility knife to scrape any old caulking or paint that has accumulated on the rabbets. Then, you can use a paint stripper or sandpaper to expose the bare wood. Apply an exterior primer to the exposed area.
Then, you can apply putty on the rabbets in preparation for the installation of the glass. The putty must be warm and malleable to be applied to the rabbets. It is essential to evenly press down on the entire surface, ensuring that there aren't any gaps.
Once the putty has been set, you can put back in the wooden stops and silicone the edges to ensure double pane windows are as tight as they can be. It is also recommended to replace the weather stripping along the bottom of your frames to increase the airflow and stop water from entering your home. This will also help lower your energy costs.
Foggy Glass
Foggy windows are an indication of a damaged seal, allowing draughts or moisture to pass through the space. This is most common in wet and humid environments where wooden frames could rot if exposed to too much water and condensation. If this is the situation, a replacement window might be required but it's generally more cost-effective to address the issue using the glass unit that is already in place.
To avoid breaking the glass by drilling small holes into the frame with a carbide-tipped tool. You can then apply a dehumidifier or a cleaning solution to remove the accumulated moisture between the two glass panes. If you're trying to accomplish this, be sure not to pick a day that the sun is extremely hot or extremely cold. This can put too much pressure on the glass, and could cause it to shatter. It's also an excellent idea to wear safety gloves and gloves as you'll be working with very sharp tools in close proximity to the glass.
Once the fog has been cleared, you can then add a small tube to one of the holes. You can make use of a spray-rinse solution to wash down the glass panes and scrub off any remaining debris. After the window has dried you can apply caulk to close the hole and seal the glass edge.
Based on how proficient in DIY, you may decide to attempt to fix the leaky seals yourself instead of hiring an expert. However, this can be risky and you'll have to constantly monitor the condition of the plug that is inserted into the gap. If you're successful however, it is likely that the issue will recur in six months or so as new moisture creeps back into the gap. This could cause draughts, electrical hazards, and condensation within the home. It is recommended to hire an experienced professional to complete the task.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation in double pane windows isn't only a problem, it indicates that the seals between the glass are failing. This allows moisture to enter into the gaskets, which can cause damage to them and, if the condensation gets too severe, it can also cause rot or blockage to wood window frames. The most common way to remedy this is to have the window replaced by a new window with proper gaskets and seals.
glass glazier near me can be costly and is not always feasible. Especially when one or both panes is cracked or shattered. Fortunately, there are some alternatives to replacing the entire glass unit to provide long-term double glass repair solutions.
First, try to eliminate any condensation using commercial defogging products such as WD-40 Original For Windows. This spray can be sprayed on both sides of the glass and will usually take all the moisture away in minutes. This should be done once every day at least, but you can repeat it if necessary.
If the issue persists, it could be required to make a couple of tiny holes in the outside of the window, just below the bottom edge. When the sun shines on the outside glass, it warms up, and if there's any condensation inside the window, it will flow towards the holes, and then be vented out through the holes as the air expands. This will usually clear the window, but it will not solve the issue in the first place.
Alternately, it is possible to employ a hole-free approach but this will not perform as well and could run the possibility of breaking or shattering the glass. In essence, a special glue is inserted into the cracks to stop them from spreading further and this can be a viable long-term solution but it's not as effective as a replacement unit that has an entire seal. It is best to employ an expert to ensure that the procedure is correctly followed and to avoid future problems with condensation or leaks.
Mist
If a mist appears on a window, it's generally an indication that the window seal has failed. In some instances, this can be repaired but most likely it will require replacement of the unit.
This is a problem that can occur in both old and new double-glazed windows. This usually occurs when there is a significant temperature variation between outside and indoors. As the cold air meets the warm air, moisture may form inside the window. The condensation then dries onto the glass's surface creating fog or mist.
The way in which this is avoided by modern double glazing is that the space between the panes is filled with a gas called argon. This gas acts as an insulator between cold and warm air. The window is also sprayed using a silica-based formula that is that absorbs moisture between the glass panes. These chemicals can wear out over time and you could notice a buildup of moisture inside the window.
If the condensation is only visible on the inside of the double-glazed windows, it is possible for them to be repaired instead of being replaced. The repair process will involve taking the sealed unit out of the frame, cutting the panes in two, separating them from the spacer bars, and then cleaning each one thoroughly, and then replacing the desiccant. The final result should be windows that are clear and free of condensation. This is a great option for those looking to save money, but don't want to replace existing windows.
If you've got broken panes, extensive rot, or a frame that has lost its strength, then replacement will be necessary. If you're having issues with the seal on your windows it could be possible to have your windows saved and improved in energy efficiency. Contact an individual company in your area that is specialized in double-glazed window repairs and find out what options you have for fixing the current glass.