Why Repairing Double Glazed Windows Is More Dangerous Than You Believed

Repairing Double Glazed Windows

Double-glazed windows "blow" they let the insulating gas argon escapes, which causes them to lose their energy efficiency. The good part is that blown double glazing is often repaired without the need to replace your windows completely.

The most common sign of a damaged window seal is condensation or moisture between double-glazed windows. A professional can easily repair this, preventing you from needing to replace the window.

Take off the Sash

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

The main difference between single and double windows is the gas that fills the space between panes of air or argon. This can make a significant difference to the insulation properties of your windows, as it prevents heat from transferring through the glass. Choosing an inert gas with low thermal conductivity, such as argon or krypton, helps to increase the insulating properties of your windows further.

Another benefit of double-glazed windows is that they are much more secure than single paned windows. They are much more resistant to breaking and can be fitted with modern security locking systems. They can also be fitted with laminated or toughened glass, making them more secure. Double-glazed windows are more robust and less likely to shake in the wind or because of the impact of traffic, making them a good option for older homes.

Double-glazed windows are also made of low-energy glass, which blocks UV rays entering your home. This can help protect your carpets, furniture and pvc paintings from fading. This is particularly important if you have windows that are directly in the sun for most of the time.

Another reason that homeowners decide to have their old sash windows retrofitted with double glazing is that they are a lot cheaper than the installation of new windows. The interior linings, cladding, and opening mechanisms of your existing windows are not damaged, so the work is less intrusive.

As an added bonus as an added benefit, the installation of double-glazed windows is much quicker than the process of removing and replacing a complete window. That means that you can benefit from energy efficiency, increased security, and less glare and UV damage to your furniture at a lower cost.

Take the Glass off

Double glazed windows are different from single pane windows because they have two glass panes separated by an air layer and the spacer. This creates insulation. This is known as an insulated unit (IGU) which is filled with gases such as Krypton or argon, can provide even better insulation. In time the units can become damaged and fail to perform as they should. If this happens it's crucial to get rid of the broken glass as quickly and safely as you can.

It can be difficult to replace double-glazed windows on your own. You will need specialised tools and knowledge. It is recommended to leave this task to a professional who will make use of the appropriate safety equipment and follow the correct procedure to avoid injury.

This is particularly important as double-glazed windows can be very fragile and easily break or crack. Wear a respirator or gloves and mask to safeguard yourself when working on the window. Make sure that the area around the window frame is free of debris and window repair clean. You should also put a thick piece of plastic over the area that the deglazing tool is going to score to take any broken pieces of glass and make them easier to remove.

Apart from replacing broken glass, it's also important to look for indications that your double-glazed windows aren't working correctly. Draughty windows are one of the main signs that your IGU is blowing and doesn't provide adequate insulation. It is also possible to notice if the windows are cloudy or have condensation between them.

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

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

Remove the gaskets

Double glazing is a well-liked option to improve the efficiency of your home's energy use however, as with all things windows, it is prone to wear and tear. Double-glazed windows that show visible damage, are draughty or are susceptible to condensation must be fixed or replaced.

A key part of the window assembly is the gasket, which is a neoprene or butyl rubber seal that cushions the glass and provides protection from weather. Gaskets that are damaged are the main reason for leaks and moisture infiltration into buildings. Fortunately, these seals can be replaced without replacing the whole window.

Often, the gaskets can be repaired by pulling them off. This is simpler on upvc window repair frames than on timber or aluminium. If you're unable remove the seals manually, it's a good idea to use a knife to pry away the seal until you're able to grip it using your fingers. Once the seal has been removed and replaced, you'll be able to replace it with a brand new seal to ensure a snug fit and maximum effectiveness.

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

After all the beading is gone after which you can take off the glass. The gap between the two panes should be about 12mm and it's important to fill it with Argon gas for optimum thermal performance. It is possible to increase the distance between your panes in order to reduce noise, however this will decrease the insulating properties of your windows.

Once the frame has been cleaned it's a good idea to spray the frame with window cleaner prior to fitting the DGP. This stops the tape from securing to the glass, allowing you the chance to place it in the right way. It's also worth wiping down the seals made of rubber 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 when you find that they are smudged up or have moisture between them. These types of problems indicate that the seal inside isn't able to hold the gas insulating. This is not unusual as the rubber that holds in the insulating gas may fail due to age or improper installation.

A skilled window specialist will seal each gap by applying a new seal. The technician will apply a silicone caulk to seal the gaps. This will keep cold air out and the warm air in during winter. This caulk can stop bugs from entering your home and also prevent moisture from getting in.

Re-sealing double-glazed windows not an easy DIY task. But it is doable. It is a lengthy and laborious task that requires special tools to remove the old seal, clean up the area and then put in a new caulk. To avoid injury and ensure the work is done correctly it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work.

There are instances in which double-glazed windows cannot be repaired and it will need to be replaced. This could be because of cracked or broken glasses, extensive damage on the frame or severe decay. It is a good idea to speak with a double glazing expert to determine what the best solution is in these instances.

The misty windows are often an indication of a poor treatment of the glass in the factory. The factory will treat the window with a low-emissivity coating to reflect heat away. Additionally, it may inject an argon gas to provide additional insulation. If these treatments fail, moisture can enter the gap between the glass panes and cause condensation. This problem can be fixed by a professional by drilling tiny holes in the glass panes, and then pipe in a dehydrating solution that will eliminate the moisture. They then fill the hole with a fresh insulating gas and reseal the gap without letting the gas escape.