Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double-glazed windows "blow" in the wind, the gas that insulates them, argon, escapes, which causes them to lose their energy efficiency. The good news is, blown double glazing is often repaired without needing to replace the windows.

The most frequent sign of a damaged window seal is condensation or moisture between double-glazed windows. It can be easily repaired by a professional saving you the expense of a replacement window.

Take off the Sash

Double-glazed windows are a fantastic option to add style and value to your home. They also increase the efficiency of your home's energy use by keeping cold out and the warmth in. With Minnesota's harsh winters having double-glazed windows will aid in reducing your heating costs.

The main difference between double and single glazed windows is that the gap between panes of glass is filled with either air or an inert gas like the gas argon. This can make a big difference to the insulation properties of your windows by preventing heat from passing through the glass. By selecting an inert low-conductivity gas such as argon, or krypton to fill your windows, you will improve their insulation properties.

Another benefit of double-glazed windows is that they are more secure than single paned windows. They are more difficult to break and can be equipped with modern security locking systems. They can be equipped with laminated or toughened glass to make them even safer. Double glazed windows are more sturdy and less likely to shake in the wind or due to the vibrations of heavy traffic and are a good option for older homes.

Double-glazed windows can also be made of low-energy glass which blocks UV rays that penetrate your home. This will protect your furnishings, window doctor carpets and paintings from becoming faded. This is especially beneficial for windows that are in direct sunlight for the majority of the time of.

Another reason why homeowners decide to have their old sash windows retrofitted to double glazing is that they are a lot more affordable than installing new windows. The interior linings, cladding, and opening mechanisms of the existing windows are still in place, which means the job is much less demanding.

Double-glazed windows are more efficient than taking a window off and replacing it. This means you can benefit from energy efficiency, improved security and reduced glare and UV damage to your furnishings at a lower cost.

Take the Glass off

Double-glazed windows differ from single pane windows because they have two glass panes, separated by an air layer and a spacer. This creates insulation. The IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU) can be filled with gases like argon or krypton for even better insulation. These units are susceptible to being damaged over time and cease to function correctly. It is essential to remove any broken glass as safe and quickly as possible.

It can be difficult to replace double-glazed windows on your own. You will need specialised tools and expertise. It is best to delegate this task to a professional who will use the right safety equipment and follow the right procedure to avoid injury.

It is important to do this since double-glazed windows are very fragile and can easily break or crack. To ensure your safety while fixing your window, put on a pair of protective gloves and wear a respirator or mask. Make sure the area surrounding the window frame is free of any debris and clean. It is also recommended to place a thick piece of plastic over the place where the deglazing tool is going to score to take any broken pieces of glass and make them easier to remove.

It is important to look for signs of double-glazed windows that aren't working correctly. A draughty window is one of the most common symptoms that your IGU is blowing and is no longer able to provide adequate insulation. You can also determine whether your windows are cloudy, or if there is condensation between them.

Double glazing is not only an option to reduce energy costs but also protects furniture from heat and light. Furniture can break and fade when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, but a double-glazed window will keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, and also reduce the amount of heat that comes into your home.

Double glazing that is energy efficient can boost the value of your property. Double glazing is a great investment if you intend to sell your house in the near future.

Remove the Gaskets

Double glazing is a great method of increasing the energy efficiency of your home, but it is susceptible to wear and tear over time. Double-glazed windows that show obvious damage, show draughts or are prone to condensation should be repaired or replaced.

A crucial component of the window assembly is the gasket, a butyl or neoprene seal that cushions the glazing and provides weather protection. Deterioration of the gaskets is the main reason for leaks as well as the infiltration of moisture into buildings. Fortunately, the seals can be replaced without having to replace the entire window.

Most often, gaskets can be repaired by pinching them and pulling them off. This is much easier on uPVC frames than on aluminum or timber. If you are unable remove seals manually then you can use a builder’s knife to pry the seals apart until you are able to grasp it using your fingertips. After the seal is removed, you can replace it with a new seal to ensure a tight fit and maximum efficiency.

After the seals have been replaced the window beading has to be removed. You can make use of a lead or putty knife to remove the window doctor beading. Insert the blade between the frame and the bead in the middle of the longest bead. This will give you maximum leverage to separate the frame from the bead.

Once all of the beading is gone after which you can take off the window glass. For optimum thermal performance, the distance between two panes needs to be 12mm. Argon gas should be utilized to fill this gap. It is possible to increase the gap between your panes in order to reduce noise, however this could affect the insulating properties of your windows.

It's a great idea to spray the window cleaner on the frame after it's been cleaned. This will assist in helping the DGP stick better. This stops the tape from securing to the glass, and gives you a chance to position it in the right way. It's also worth wiping down the rubber seals with a soft cloth and warm soapy water in order to avoid any damage.

Re-seal the window

It may be time to seal your double-glazed windows if you notice that they're fogged up or have moisture between them. This type of problem is a clear indicator that the inner seal has failed to keep the insulating gases in. This is not unusual as the rubber that holds in the insulating gas may fail due to age or improper installation.

A window specialist who is experienced will reseal each individual gap by applying a fresh seal. The technician will use silicone caulk to fill the gaps. This will keep cold air out and the warm air in during winter. The caulk will also stop bugs from getting into your home and it will stop moisture from getting into your home, too.

It is important to remember that resealing an existing double-glazed window is not a DIY task but it is feasible to tackle it yourself. It is a lengthy and laborious task that requires special tools to remove the old seal, clean the area and then put in a fresh caulk. It is recommended to call in an experienced glazier to complete the work to avoid injuries and to ensure that it is done correctly.

There are instances where a double-glazed window will not be repairable and must be replaced. This could be due to cracked or shattered glasses, extensive damage on the frame, or even serious decay. Ask a double-glazing specialist to determine the best option for these scenarios.

Often, the misting of the windows is an indication that the treatment of the glass in the factory has failed. The factory will put a low-emissivity coating to the window to reflect heat and could also inject an argon gas for additional insulation. When these treatments fail, moisture is allowed into the gap between the glass panes, and it may cause condensation. A professional can solve this problem by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and then pipe in a dehydrating agent to get rid of the moisture. They will then fill the gap with a new insulating gas and seal the gap, but without letting the gas escape.