How to Repair a Double Glazed Window
Double glazing is a good method to increase your home's energy efficiency as well as insulate it. It can have problems like condensation and draughts.
While replacement is the obvious solution to these issues however, repairs are often a more affordable option. Let's look at a few of the most commonly used solutions for double-glazed window repairs.
Broken Panes
The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear thick work gloves, and place an empty cardboard box nearby to catch any shards of glass that fall while you work. Use a utility knife to cut the glazing around the window pane that has been broken and ensure that you wear an eye mask and mask because of the possibility of lead entering the frame. If clips or nails are holding the windowpane in the frame, use pliers to lift them out. After the glass is removed, scrape off any old putty and glazing points. A heat gun can be used to in softering the putty if you need to.
After the old putty has been removed then re-grout the grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicone caulking tool. Before applying the final caulk, it's a great idea to test fit the new window into its frame. Be sure that the grooves are free of any rust, gunk, or paint and aren't too narrow for the windowpane to fit in.
Replace the sash with a wood moulding to match the windowframe. If the window frame is in a poor state it could be easier and more cost-effective to replace the whole window unit instead of just a single pane.
In the past windows with double panes were made of two pieces of glass separated with a spacer. They were then filled with air or an insulation gas. In recent years, manufacturers made the switch 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 air outside seeps into the gap and condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually damages the insulating properties of the IG and leaves an unclean remnant on the glass.
To fix a broken IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit, or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, however it is the only option for fixing a defective seal that allows water to leak into the home. Installing high-quality windows by a technician who has the experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help avoid any future problems with seals.
Misted Panes
The window's frame can hold three or two panes that are separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is usually filled with argon gas for greater energy efficiency, helps to keep warm air inside and cold air out. Unfortunately, windows can break down and you may be able to see a smokey, hazy fog between the glass panes. It could be that it's time to buy a new window, but you aren't able to just replace the damaged pane.
A misty window is usually a sign that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has gotten in and damaged the insulation of the double glazing. This is why it's important to pay attention to the care of your windows and keep them clean.
If you see condensation between the glass panes, it means that there is a lot of moisture in your home. It is recommended to dehumidify the room and take other measures to improve the ventilation in areas where this happens often. However, if the condensation is only on one side of the window or is visible between the panes of the glass, it means that there's an issue with the seal and you'll have to have it fixed.
It is not possible to seal double-glazed windows to bring back the original energy efficiency. When the seal breaks, the gap allows cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. This can damage your home's insulating ability, making it more expensive to heat.
Some companies will drill holes in your window's outer pane and drain the condensation. But this is a temporary solution that is unlikely to last more than six months. It's not recommended you attempt to do this yourself, as it could be very risky without the right tools and expertise. A double-glazing expert will use special equipment to eliminate the condensation and install air vents to help prevent any future misting.
Frame Damage
Double glazing isn't impervious to damage and even with the best of care faults can develop. Some are minor and can be fixed but others are more severe and require to be replaced completely. The owner of the house should take this decision by taking into account the benefits of double glazing and the value it can bring to the property.
If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be caused by misting on the glass or an issue with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as quickly as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing.
The frames of your double glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in their place and stop them from moving, however with time, the special packaging that assists in this may wear down. This could cause one or both glass sheets to move slightly, which breaks the all-important seal, which can cause misting. Mist can also form in the insulating gap between the panes and the glass, indicating that the seal has been damaged and it's now time to make double glazing repairs.
Another issue that is common is that windows have begun to shrink over time, making it difficult to open and close them. This can usually be repaired by changing the hinges or mechanisms. It is worth remembering that many new double glazed windows come with a guarantee and in this case it would be best to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing to get information on what to do next.
Repairing double-glazed windows is possible yourself, but it's recommended to speak with an expert to benefit from their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and make the required repairs to your double glazing. You can also avoid voiding your warranty by not trying to fix your windows without proper skills.
Weather Damage
Double pane windows are resistant to weather damage. However in the event that you live in an area that is susceptible to icestorms, hail, high wind and torrential rainfall, your window frames and seals could be severely damaged. It is important to check your windows frequently and repair any chips or dents as soon as they are discovered.
Blown windows can be one of the most significant issues you could face with double glazing. If a gap is visible between the two panes of glass air and moisture can seep into your home. This is usually an indication of damage to the seals or an issue with the insulating material between your panes.
Condensation between the panes is another issue that double-glazed windows may cause. This is caused by the warm air in your home being warmer than the cooler air outside. The warmer air expands due to the difference in temperature, which can cause window seals to be damaged or break over time.
Double-glazed windows can also cause foggy windows. The good part is that it's a problem that can often be resolved without having to replace the IGU. This is an indication that your window's seals need to be resealed.
To do this, you'll need to drill a hole in between the window panes. You will have to drill a hole large enough to allow for the installation of repair double glazed window pipe cleaners or a long object, with cloth at the end. You will then need to use the cloth end to clean your windows and get rid of any excess condensation. This will help to create an airtight seal and will prevent any future fogging of your double-glazed windows.
It is important to remember that this is only temporary solution for your windows that are hazy. When it rains or there is an abrupt increase in humidity, the condensation will return. If you want a permanent solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a new one.