Repairing Double Glazed Windows: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known In The Past
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
It is essential to respond quickly if you spot condensation between the glass panes, or if your double-glazed windows are misting up. It is also crucial to understand the tools that will be needed to finish the job.
Start by removing the double pane glass from the window frame and storing it in a safe place. The next step is to clean both the glass and frame paying particular attention to corners.
Broken panes
If windows with double panes is damaged, it's crucial to fix the problem as soon as you can. This will prevent cold or warm air from escaping, and will allow your home's energy saving systems to function properly. This will lower your energy bills and save you money over the long term.
This is a typical issue that can be fixed by a professional glazing firm. They'll replace the damaged pane of glass with an identical unit. They'll also repair the seal to restore the insulation value of the window.
Double pane windows have a space between them that's filled with suction and inert gas, such as argon or krypton. This allows heat to move through the glass at a slower rate than air. This is called an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) and is the reason these windows have their insulating capacity.
When the IGU seal fails the condensation will form between the two glass panes, leading to fogging and decreasing the window's insulation properties. There are a variety of methods to defog IGUs by using a defogging kit. These kits don't replace the inert gasses, and so the benefits of windows' insulation are not restored.
To remove fog from double-pane windows, remove the vinyl stops around the frame. They can be easily removed using a blade or a small amount of putty. Next, wipe off any old putty that's on the edges of the frame. Apply a new roll double-sticky adhesive tape to each edge of the window frame that covers all corners. Then, press the window pane into the frame until it is stuck. Apply caulking to the rabbets exposed.
Broken seals
Window seals are the edge seals that secure each pane glass in triple-pane or double-paned windows. A damaged seal is evident by a window that displays a fogginess or condensation which cannot be wiped away. The natural expansion and contraction of windows could cause seals to break. When the sun warms your window it expands and pushes air out of the semi-permeable seals. When the window cools down in the evening it will shrink, bringing in humid air, which can cause the seals to fail.
A broken window seal can also cause double-paned windows to appear blurred and discolored. In addition to the aesthetic issue, failing window seals may create drafts and increase your cooling and heating bills.
Although it is impossible to prevent the seal from breaking at some point however, you can take steps to extend the life of the seal. It is recommended to have your windows professionally installed. Avoid using power washers to clean your windows as the high pressure could harm the seal.
Many stores for home improvement offer defogging services. These services make use of vacuums and chemicals to remove the condensation between the window panes. These services are temporary fixes and won't fix a broken seal. To fix your windows that are foggy you'll need the IGU (insulated glass unit) replaced. This could be a challenging project for an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer and is why it's suggested to get a professional help.
Broken frames
The frame of windows can be damaged or cracked due to a number of reasons. This can be due to poor installation or weather conditions, as well as age. If this happens, it's crucial to know how to repair double-glazed windows to ensure that your home is protected from the elements and the damage doesn't get worse.
The first step is to remove the window from its casing, as much as you can. This will make it easier. This will allow you to work in a safer position. Glass is simpler to replace if it's laid flat on the surface and secured with a few screws around each corner.
After the broken pane has been removed, it can be replaced and sealed. You can use a putty knife and glaziers compound that matches the frame of the window for this. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the window to match the rest.
When the glass is replaced frames and sash are able to be caulked to seal them together. This will prevent water from getting in and damaging the frames. It is crucial to use waterproof caulk to keep the damage from spreading.
If the crack isn't too large, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring with a blade of in a small arc that extends beyond the crack. Then, curving around the crack. This will stop the crack from expanding and creating a larger hole.
If your windows let in thin ice or condensation windows, they might require replacement. The seals that hold gas between the two panes of glass have worn out and the air has be depressurised. The solution to this issue is by switching to a more energy-efficient A-rated glass unit. This will help you save cash on heating bills.
Broken locks or handles
If your windows aren't locking properly, it could be costing you money in lost heat, and potentially putting your home at risk from burglars. If you're experiencing issues with your windows locking, a quick inspection will reveal if it's the handle or lock that is loose.
If window repairs have a tilt and turn window (used on dual-action uPVC windows) then you'll probably have a spindle handle which locks with shoot bolts in the window frame. They are usually concealed behind plastic caps that you can remove using a Stanley knife.
This type of handle is equipped with a spindle which operates the window frame mechanism, pushing the handle's nase across an edging to fix the bolt. If the bolt is damaged, then the window won't shut and may only open for a few centimetres of ventilation.
Check to see if it latches by pressing the handle at 90 degrees. If it does not latch, the lock is not working and needs to replaced.
It's not difficult however, it's important to know the model and make to purchase the correct replacement handles and locks. Fortunately, many online retailers will allow you to select the uPVC window style over the phone, and provide you with a range of compatible handles to pick from. Make sure you check the spindle length of the replacement before purchasing. This is usually measured on a table, and isn't usually stated in the description of the item. If you're not sure how to measure the spindle, consult a professional for help. A professional will be able to give you assistance over the phone. They will can also provide you with a measuring instrument to ensure that the new handle is the perfect size.
Broken glass
If the glass layer of the double pane or both is broken the glass can usually be repaired using an adhesive applied between the fractures. This kind of repair is only an interim solution, and it's essential to replace the damaged glass as soon as possible to prevent any further weather damage. The repair is relatively simple and can be performed by the homeowner. However, for older windows or glass that are in older homes, it's recommended to leave the task to professionals.
It is essential to wear gloves and goggles when working with cracked glass. Before you start working ensure that you lay a drop cloth over the window to stop any shards that may fall. Be careful not to scratch the frame. Take off the beading that holds the glass within the frame. This is done by gently pulling it away from the frame using a putty knife. You may need to apply some pressure to pull it off but you should be able to pull it away without much difficulty.
After removal of the sealant and beading, you can start removing the damaged window glass. A razor blade or glass scraper should be capable of cutting through any adhesive remaining and pull the glass away. You'll then need to clean the glass's surface and the frame before you are able to put it back in place.
Make use of a glazier's compound that is of good quality on the glass-frame joints while installing a new glass pane. The compound should be smoothed and match it as closely as possible to the the frame and glass. Once the compound is dry you can paint it to protect your work. This will also help it blend with the rest of the frame.