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Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option to reduce energy consumption. They are susceptible to damage over time. Fortunately they can be repaired fairly easily.
Foggy glass, condensation between panes and mist are all signs of a problem with the seal. The good news is that a professional can usually fix this without having to replace the entire window.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball, rocks thrown at the ground, or even the force of a powerful wind can cause a crack in a double pane window. If this happens, it is difficult to determine if the whole window has to be replaced or if the insulation benefits of this type of glass can be restored by a simple repair.
Repairing a damaged glass pane of a double-glazed window doesn't have to be as difficult as it appears. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and know how to utilize them. Making use of the right tools will ensure that you're not causing any further damage to your existing windows. You can also avoid injuries handling sharp glass.
The first step is to remove the old sealant from the broken glass. This can be accomplished by hand, so long that you wear gloves and have a method for waste disposal close at fingertips. Make use of a multi-purpose tool or a deglazing knife to complete the job. Once you have removed the sealant, you can carefully remove the damaged pane and put it in a safe place to store it for a while.
The next step is to prepare the frame. Use a utility knife to scrape away any old caulking or paint on the rabbets (the grooves in the sash that the glass rests). The wood that is bare is easily exposed with a paint remover or sandpaper. Apply an exterior primer to the exposed area.
Putty can be applied on the rabbets to prepare for the installation of the glass. The putty must be soft and malleable, so that it can be put into the rabbets. It is crucial to evenly press down on the entire surface so that there are no gaps.
After the putty has set, you can put back in the wooden stops, and then seal the edges to ensure that your double pane windows are as solid as they can be. Replace the weather stripping on the bottom of the frames to improve airflow and stop water from entering your home. This will also help reduce the cost of energy.
Foggy Glass
Foggy windows are an indication of a weak seal, which allows draughts or moisture to enter the gap. This is most frequent in humid and wet climates where wooden frames may get rotten when exposed to too much moisture and condensation. In this instance, you may need to replace the window, but it is generally more cost-effective if the glass unit can be repaired.
To prevent breaking the glass to avoid breaking it, make small holes in the frame with a carbide-tipped bit. The moisture trapped inside can be removed with dehumidifiers, or a cleaning agent. It's important to avoid doing this on a day that is extremely cold or hot. This could cause the glass to break. It's also a good idea to wear safety gloves and gloves because you'll be using extremely sharp tools close to the glass.
Once the fog has been removed and the glass is clean, you can put the tube in one of the holes. You can apply a spray rinse solution to wash the panes of glass and clean off any remaining debris. Once the window has dried, you can apply a caulk around both the hole and the glass's edge to protect it from the elements.
You might be able to fix the leaky seals by yourself if you're an expert in DIY. This is a risky job, and you will be required to keep track of the condition of any plugs installed into the gap. Even if the issue is solved, it's likely to return within six months as moisture will re-infiltrate the gap. This could lead to condensation and draughts in the house as well as posing an electrical risk. This is the reason it's recommended to hire a certified tradesperson to complete the task.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation in double pane windows is more than just a nuisance, it indicates that the seals between the glass are breaking down. This allows moisture to get in, which can damage gaskets and, if the condensation gets severe, it can also cause wood rot or jamming window frames. This is most commonly fixed by replacing the window with new ones that have gaskets and sealings.
This can be expensive and not always possible. Especially when one or both panes are cracked or broken. There are alternatives to replacing the entire glass unit that offer long-term double glazing repair solutions.
The first step is to get rid of the condensation using a commercial defogging spray such as WD-40 Original for Windows. The spray can be sprayed on both sides of the glass and will usually take all the moisture away in minutes. It should be done once every day at least, but you can repeat it if needed.
If the problem persists then it could be necessary to make a couple of small holes in the outside of the window, near the bottom edge. The sun will warm the outer glass and any condensation inside the window will flow towards the holes. As the air expands, it will escape through the holes. This usually clears the window, but it won't solve the original problem.
It is also possible to use a method that does not require holes, however it won't be as efficient and could break or break the glass. In essence, a special glue is applied to the cracks to stop them spreading further and this can be a good long-term solution, but it's not as effective as a replacement unit that has complete sealing. In both instances it is best to have the job completed by an expert to ensure the procedure is carried out correctly and to avoid the problems of future condensation or leaks.
Mist
If there is a trace of mist on windows typically, it's an indication that the seal has failed. In certain cases it can be fixed. However, in most cases it will require replacing the unit.
This problem can happen with both new and old double-glazed windows. It is usually caused by an extreme temperature difference between the indoors and outdoor. As the cold air meets the warm air, condensation may form inside the window. The condensation then dry on the glass's surface creating fog or mist.
Modern double glazing is made by filling the space between the glass panes with argon. This creates a powerful barrier between cold and warm air. The area is also sprayed with an exclusive silica formula that has been designed to absorb moisture between the panes of glass. It is not uncommon for these chemicals to wear out with time and this is when you'll start to see the accumulation of water in the window.
If the condensation only occurs on the inside of the double-glazed windows it may be possible to have them repaired rather than replaced. Repairing the problem will require the removal of your sealed unit from the frame. Separating the panes from the spacer bars and then cleaning them thoroughly. The end lock repair result should be a clear window with no condensation inside. This is an excellent option for those who are looking to save money, but don't want to replace windows that are already in use.
It is obvious that if you have broken panes, extensive rot, or frames that have lost its strength, replacement is required. If you do have an issue with the window seal, it might be possible to save your windows and make them much more energy efficient. You can reach out to an organization in your area that specializes in double-glazed window repairs and discover what options you have for fixing your existing glazing.