How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is usually covered by a guarantee of 10 or 20 year. If your double-glazed windows show signs of aging, you could be entitled for them to be fixed under warranty.
Double-glazed window repairs require replacing the glass unit. Misting is a clear sign that the seal is broken and you will need to get it repaired.
Damaged Glass
A seal that is airtight is vital for double pane windows to work correctly. The most frequent sign that a seal may be failing is the formation of condensation between the glass plates. Condensation that forms between glass plates is not a major problem and can be corrected however it is an indication that your glass unit requires replacement. If you have an older double-glazed window, this may mean replacing both the glass and the frame. If your frame is in good condition, you may be able to save money by just replacing the glass.
Double-paned windows can crack due to the brittleness of glass. If the cracks aren't caused by mechanical damage or a sudden impact, it's possible to repair the cracks using epoxy and a tiny amount of elbow grease. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and scrub the area of the crack with a moist cotton cloth. Then apply the epoxy to the crack. Allow the epoxy to completely dry before painting and sanding the repaired area.
A simple strip of masking tap can be used to keep a crack from spreading. A single strip of masking tape placed on each side of the crack ought to suffice to stop superficial cracks from spreading, like stress-cracks that are caused by low temperatures. If you notice deeper cracks in your glass that are already present, it's recommended to speak with a professional for the repair.
It's risky and difficult to replace a single pane within double-paned windows. Double-paned windows are manufactured as a whole unit and sealed with inert gas in the factory. Therefore, it is impossible to take off just the glass without damaging the window. If you are planning to replace the glass in your double-paned windows select a brand that has an extensive warranty.
You can also use newspaper to protect the window frame prior to deciding to remove the sash or replace any broken glass. This will shield your from any sharp glass shards which may fall during the process. It also helps prevent any damage to the molding or trim of your home.
Condensation Build-Up
The good fact is that condensation between window panes is normal. It's caused by a disparity between the temperature of air and humidity levels, which causes water vapour in the air to condense upon contact with cold impenetrable surfaces such as windows. This is usually an excellent thing, particularly in winter, as it helps to prevent heat loss.
If your windows appear cloudy and have a film of water on them, you must seek out a professional glazier. This is an indication that the 'air gap' seal between the two glass panes is beginning to break down and allowing moisture into the window.
You can attempt to stop this by making use of a dehumidifier, increasing ventilation or using a deicing agent. There are also professional companies that can help solve condensation issues in double-glazed windows by drilling holes into the window and pumping or injecting a specific desiccant to remove the excess moisture. This involves removing the sealed unit from the frame and cleaning every glass pane before refilling the desiccant. This is usually more expensive however, it's essential to check that the company you choose to work with is licensed and insured with FENSA.
Be aware that any modification to your double-glazed windows will cause the windows to be void of any warranties. If you have a warranty on your windows, it's best to let the company know of any issues that arise since it will be accountable for the replacement of windows that are covered under warranty. It's best to consult an expert before undertaking any DIY repairs. This is especially relevant for older units since they are often more susceptible to fail. It is recommended to replace the entire glass panel in the event of this. This way, you'll have brand-new windows that will last for many years.
Scratches
It's not unusual for double-glazed windows to be impacted by scratches on their surfaces. This could be the result of environmental conditions or even caused by the manner in which the window was installed.
Thankfully, most of these scratches are superficial and can be repaired by using a few home remedies that you can do yourself. If you feel scratches on your windows using your finger or nail, or if they are deep, you should consult a professional for help in restoring the glass back to its original state.
These scratches happen when objects like tree branches, pet nails, and cleaning materials that are abrasive scratch the glass of your windows. The scratches can be removed using non-abrasive materials like iron oxide and polishes made of cerium dioxide. You will need to use these until the scratch disappears.
Scratches may also occur when finishing sanding wood trim close to your windows. They can also happen during construction. These can be difficult to repair, but a little bit of baking soda and water can help smooth the surface and eliminate any scratches that remain.
For more extensive scratches, you can use metal polish to smooth the area and eliminate them. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball, or a clean microfibre towel and gently rub the area with 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 clean any polish residue that remains.
If you've got a particularly deep scratch that you cannot remove, you should consider purchasing some special non-abrasive glass polish. You can purchase this at any DIY store. Follow the instructions on the package. Alternately, you can apply nail polish to smooth the area and cover any minor scratches on the glass of your window. Ensure that the nail polish is clean and only applied to the scratched part of your window.
Haze
The presence of haze in your double-paned window indicates that the seal between the two panes has been damaged. This needs to be fixed as soon as you can so that moisture and dirt don't build up between the glass panes. This could cause damage to the glass and result in an increase in transparency.
There are several options to remove the haze that has formed on double pane windows. Make use of a defogging product. However, this is just an interim solution. If you want a permanent solution, you should consult an experienced glass company. They can repair the issue or replace the gaskets as needed.
A carbide-tipped instrument can be used to make tiny holes in the frame of the window to eliminate the haze. Then, you can tuck the desiccate packet inside these holes and wash the window with ruby alcohol. The water will help remove the haze and clean the window.
It is vital to keep your windows well maintained and regularly cleaned to prevent fogging. This will keep the double panes clean and allow you to take in the stunning view of your backyard or home. In addition, ensuring that your home is ventilated is also beneficial. This will help to ensure that any condensation is swiftly removed, instead of being allowed to settle and then reseal the window.
You should not only clean and maintain your windows frequently, but also ensure that they're installed correctly. Installing your windows should only be done by a company that has experience. This will ensure that the gaskets and seals are installed correctly, and that they fit securely. It's also a good idea to have your windows repaired as soon as possible, before they start to exhibit signs of wear and tear. This will prevent costly repairs to double pane windows.
In general, double-glazed windows that have insulation are built to last for about 20 years. They are designed to withstand different weather conditions such as very cold temperatures, heat and humidity as well as frequent openings and closings. But, it is important to keep in mind that the typical lifespan of double glazed windows can be diminished by inadequate installation or defective materials.