Blog entry by Forest Trenwith
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
Typically, double glazing comes with a guarantee of 10 or 20 years. If your double glazed windows are showing signs of ageing you could be eligible to have them repaired under warranty.
Double-glazed window repairs involve resealing the glass unit that is in use. The seal is not working when you notice misting.
Glass that is damaged
Double pane windows rely on an airtight seal in order to work effectively. The condensation between the glass plates is a common sign of a failing seal. Condensation between glass plates are not a major problem and can be corrected however it is an indication that your glazing unit is in need of replacement. If you have an older double glazed window, this could require replacing both the frame and the glass. If your frame is in good condition however, you can generally save money by replacing only the glazing.
Glass is brittle and it's not unusual for double-pane windows to develop cracks over time. If the cracks aren't caused by mechanical damage or an unusual impact, it's often possible to Repair Double Glazed Window these cracks using epoxy and tiny amount of elbow grease. Begin by cleaning over the cracked area with a damp cotton rag. Then, apply epoxy to the crack following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the epoxy to fully dry before painting and sanding the repaired area.
A simple strip of masking tape can also be used to prevent cracks from spreading. One strip of tape on both sides of the crack area is enough to keep superficial cracks, such as stress cracks that are caused by low temperatures, from escalating. If you have deeper cracks in your glass that are already present, it's recommended to consult an expert to repair the damage.
It is dangerous and difficult to replace a single pane within a double-paned window. Double-pane windows are manufactured as a complete unit and sealed at the factory using inert gas, so it's impossible to remove the glass without causing damage to the entire window. If you intend to replace the glass in your double-paned windows select a brand that has a long-lasting warranty.
It's also an excellent idea to line the window frame with newspaper prior to when you attempt to take off the sash and replace any damaged glass. This will shield your from any sharp shards that could fall on the way and also help to protect your home's trim or molding.
Condensation Build-Up
The good part is that condensation occurring between window panes is totally normal. It is caused by an imbalance in humidity and temperature of the air. The water vapour that is present in air condenses when it comes into contact with cold, inaccessible surfaces such as windows. This is usually beneficial, especially during winter because it prevents heat loss.
However, if you're finding that your windows are appearing like they're cloudy, with a film of water on them, it's time to hire an experienced glazier. This is a sign that the 'air gap seal between the two glass panes has begun to weaken and is letting moisture into the window.
You can try to stop this from happening by using a dehumidifier or a fan, enhancing ventilation, or using a de-icing agent. There are also companies that can eliminate excess moisture from double-glazed windows by drilling into the unit and injecting desiccant. This requires removing the sealed unit from the frame and cleaning each pane of the glass before refilling the desiccant. This will usually be more expensive, however it is worth checking whether the firm you choose to use is insured and registered with FENSA.
It is important to keep in mind that altering your repairing double glazed windows glazed windows is not advised and could cause the windows to be damaged and invalidate any warranties. If you have a warranty on your windows it's always recommended to let the company know of any issues that arise as it is responsible for replacing units under warranty. Additionally, any damage that is caused through tampering will likely not be covered under your guarantee either so it's better to seek out expert advice prior to trying any DIY upvc repairs. This is particularly relevant for older units since they are sometimes more prone to failure. It's best to replace the entire glazed panel in case this happens. You'll then have brand-new windows that will last many years.
Scratches
It's not uncommon for double-glazed windows to be impacted by scratches to their surface. This could be the result of environmental factors or could be caused by the way in which the window was originally installed.
Many of these scratches are not that severe and can be easily fixed with a few simple remedies. If you feel scratches on your windows with your finger or nail, or if they are deep, it is recommended to consult an expert to repair the glass to its original condition.
These scratches happen when objects like tree branches, pet nails, and cleaning materials that are abrasive scrape against the glass of your windows. Often, these scratches can be cleaned with some non-abrasive solutions like iron oxide or cerium oxide polishes which you'll need to continue using until the scratch is not visible anymore.
Scratches can also happen when you sand wood trim around your windows. They can also happen during construction. They can be difficult to repair windows, but the use of baking soda and water will help smooth out the area that has been buffed and remove any remaining scratches.
Metal polish can be used to get rid of deep scratches. Add a small amount of the product to a microfibre or cotton cloth and gently rub over the affected area in a circular motion. Avoid applying too much pressure, since this could cause damage to the window. Once the surface is smooth, use a moist cloth to remove any excess polish residue.
Consider purchasing a non-abrasive special glass polish if you have an extremely deep scratch that you can't get rid of. This can be bought at any DIY store and should be applied according to the instructions on the product packaging. You can also use nail polish to cover any scratches on the glass of your window. Make sure the nail polish is clean and that it is only applied to the scratched area of your window.
Haze
The presence of haze in your double-paned window means that the seal between the two panes has been damaged. This needs to be fixed as soon as possible so that dirt and moisture don't build up between the glass panes. This could cause damage to the glass and result in the glass's transparency being reduced.
There are a variety of solutions to fix haze in your double pane windows. One option is to apply an anti-fogging spray. However, this is only an interim solution. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you must contact a professional glass business. They can repair the issue or replace the gaskets if required.
Another way to solve the problem of haze in double-glazed windows is to make small holes in the window frame, using a carbide-tipped drill. Then, you can tuck the desiccate packet inside these holes and rinse the window with rubbing alcohol. The water will help clear the haze and clean the window.
To avoid fogging, it's important to keep your windows clean and maintained by cleaning them on a regular basis. This will keep the double panes clean and allow you to enjoy a beautiful view of your home or garden. Additionally, making sure that your home is ventilated can also be beneficial. This will ensure that any condensation gets removed, instead of being allowed to settle and then reseal the window.
In addition to the regular cleaning and maintenance, you should also make sure that your windows are installed. Installing windows should only be completed by a company that has experience. This will ensure that the gaskets are fitted correctly and that there is a perfect fit. It is also a good idea to have your windows repaired as quickly as possible, before they start to show signs of wear and tear. This will prevent costly double pane windows repairs.
In general, double-glazed windows with insulation are designed to last about 20 years. They are designed to withstand double glazing windows repair [gitlab.rosoperator.com] various weather conditions, including extremely cold temperatures, high temperatures, humidity and repeated openings and closings. However, it's important to remember that the standard time-to-life of double-glazed windows could be shortened due to improper installation or faulty materials.