How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
Typically, double glazing comes with a warranty of either 10 or 20 years. If your double-glazed windows show signs of aging, you may be eligible to be repaired under warranty.
Double glazed window repair involves the re-sealing of your glass unit. The seal is failing in the event that you see mist.
Damaged Glass
A seal that is airtight is essential for double pane windows to work correctly. Condensation between the glass plates is a common sign of a faulty seal. While condensation between glass isn’t an issue that needs to be addressed, it’s usually an indication that the glass unit is in need of replacement. If you have a double-glazed window that is older, it may be necessary to replace both the glass and the frame. If the frame is in good shape however, window repair you can typically save money by replacing only the glass.
Glass is brittle and it’s not uncommon for double-pane windows to crack over time. If the cracks were not caused by mechanical damage, or an unusual impact on the window they can be fixed with epoxy and elbow grease. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and scrub the area of the crack by using a damp cotton cloth. Then apply the epoxy to the crack. Allow the epoxy to dry completely before sanding down and painting over the repaired area.
It’s also possible to keep cracks from spreading by using a simple strip of masking tape. A single strip of tape on both sides of the damaged area is enough to stop superficial cracks, such as stress cracks that are caused by low temperatures, from escalating. If you’re dealing more serious cracks that are already forming in your glass, it may be best to call a professional to ensure the safety of the repair.
Attempting to replace just a single pane of double-pane windows is a risky and difficult DIY task. Double-paned windows are constructed as a unit and sealed with inert gases in the factory. Therefore, it is impossible to remove just the glass without damaging the window. If you’re planning to replace glass in your double pane windows, ensure that you select a high-quality brand that comes with a long-lasting warranty.
It’s also an excellent idea to line the window frame with newspaper prior to when you attempt to remove the sash and replace any damaged glass. This will shield you from any glass shards with sharp edges that could fall in the process. It also helps prevent any damage to the trim or window repair molding of your home.
Condensation Build-Up
It’s good to know that condensation between the windows can be normal. It’s due to a gap between air temperature and humidity levels that cause water vapour in the air to condense when it touches cold impenetrable surfaces such as windows. Usually this is a good thing, especially in winter, as it can help prevent heat loss.
If your windows look cloudy and have a layer of water on them, it is time to contact an experienced professional glazier. This is an indication that the ‘air gap seal between the two panes of glass has started to degrade and is letting moisture into the window.
You can try to stop this by using a dehumidifier, improving ventilation, or using a de-icing agent. There are companies that can remove excess moisture from double-glazed windows through drilling into the unit and injecting desiccant. This requires taking the sealed unit out of the frame and cleaning each pane of the glass before refilling the desiccant. This is typically more expensive, however it’s worth checking that any company you select is insured and registered with FENSA.
Be aware that any modification to your double-glazed windows will end any warranties. If you have windows that have a warranty it is recommended to notify the manufacturer of any problems as they’ll be responsible for replacement units under warranty. Also, any damage caused by tampering will most likely not be covered under your warranty, so it’s better to seek advice from a professional before trying any DIY repairs. This is especially relevant for older units since they are sometimes more prone to failure. It is best to replace the entire glass panel in the event of this. You’ll then have brand new windows that will last for many years.
Scratches
It’s not uncommon for double glazed windows to be affected by scratches on their surfaces. This can be due to environmental factors or the way the window was constructed.
Thankfully, many of these scratches are not too severe and can be repaired by a few do-it-yourself remedies. If you feel scratches on your windows using your finger or nail, or when they are very deep, it is recommended to seek out an expert for help in restoring the glass back to its original state.
These scratches happen when objects like pet nails, tree branches, and cleaning materials that are abrasive scratch the glass of your windows. Most of the time, these scratches can be cleaned with some non-abrasive solutions such as iron oxide or cerium oxide polishes which you’ll need to continue using until the scratch is gone.
Scratches can also be caused by sanding the wood trim around your windows. It can happen during construction work. These can be difficult to repair, but a little bit of baking soda mixed with water should help smooth the buffed area and remove any scratches that remain.
For deeper scratches, you can use polish for metal to smooth the area and remove the marks. Add a small amount of the product to a microfibre ball or cotton cloth and gently rub the affected area in a circular motion. Avoid applying too much pressure since this could cause damage to the window. After the area has been smoothed, use a wet cloth to wash away any polish residue that remains.
You may want to consider purchasing a non-abrasive glass polish if you’ve got a an incredibly deep scratch that you cannot remove. You can buy this at any DIY store. Follow the directions on the package. You can also use nail polish to cover any superficial scratches on the window glass. Make sure that you only apply the nail polish only to the area that is scratched.
Haze
The presence of haze in your double-paned window indicates that the seal between the two panes is damaged. It is essential to get this fixed quickly to ensure that you don’t end with dirt and moisture build-up between the panes. This could cause damage to the glass and decrease its transparency.
There are a number of solutions to fix haze in your double pane windows. Make use of a defogging product. This is only a short-term solution. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you should consult an experienced glass company. They can fix the issue or replace the gaskets if needed.
A carbide-tipped instrument can be used to drill tiny holes into the frame of the window to eliminate the haze. You can then put a desiccate bag into these holes, and wash the window with rubbing alcohol. The water will clear the haze as well as clean the window.
To avoid fogging, it’s important to maintain your windows and clean them frequently. This will allow you to look through the double panes and enjoy a stunning view from your backyard or at home. It is also essential to ensure that your home has adequate ventilation. This will ensure that any condensation is quickly removed, rather than allowing it to settle and reseal the window.
You should not only clean and maintain your windows on a regular basis and make sure that they’re installed correctly. The installation of your windows must be handled by a reputable glazing company. This will ensure that the seals and gaskets are installed properly, and fit securely. It’s a good idea get your windows repaired as quickly as possible before they begin showing signs of wear out. This will save you from expensive double pane window repairs.
Typically, insulated double-glazed windows are designed to last around 20 years. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including extreme cold temperatures, heat and humidity as well as frequent openings and closings. It is essential to remember that faulty installation or materials can decrease the life span of double-glazed windows.