Repairing Double Glazed Windows

When double glazed windows "blow" the insulating argon escapes, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. The good news is, blowing double glazing is usually repaired without the need to replace the windows.

The most common sign of a failed window seal is condensation or moisture between double-glazed windows. This can be easily repaired by a professional, saving you the expense of a new window.

Take off the Sash

Double-glazed windows can add value and elegance to your home. They can improve the energy efficiency of your home by keeping heat and cold out. With Minnesota's harsh winters, having double-glazed windows will aid in reducing your heating costs.

The main difference between double and single windows is that the gap between the glass panes is filled with air or an inert gas like the gas argon. This is a significant improvement in the insulation properties of your windows as they prevent the transfer of heat through the glass. Choosing an inert gas with low thermal conductivity, such as argon or double glazing krypton will help improve your window's insulating properties even more.

Double-glazed windows are also more secure than windows with a single pane. They are much more difficult to break and can be fitted with modern security locking systems. They can be fitted with toughened or laminated glass to make them even more secure. Double-glazed windows are more durable and less likely than single-glazed windows to rattle or vibrate in the wind. They are an excellent option for older homes.

Additionally, double-glazed windows can also be made using low-energy glass that reduces the amount of UV rays that enter your home. This will protect your furnishings, carpets and paintings from becoming faded. This is especially useful if you have windows that are directly in the sun for most of the day.

Another reason that homeowners opt to have their old sash windows retrofitted to double glazing is that they are cheaper than the installation of new windows. The cladding and internal linings of your old windows are intact, making the job much easier to complete.

Installing double-glazed windows is faster than removing a window and replacing it. That means that you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency, enhanced security, and less glare as well as UV damage to your furniture at a lower cost.

Take the Glass off

Unlike single pane windows, double-glazed windows feature two glass panes separated by a spacer and layer of air which provides insulation. This insulated glass unit (IGU) can be filled with gases such as argon or krypton for even more insulation. These units can become damaged as time passes and stop functioning correctly. It is important to remove any broken glass as securely and efficiently as is possible.

Replacing double-glazed windows can be a challenging DIY task that requires specialist tools and skills. It is best to leave this task to a professional, who will use the right safety equipment and follow the proper procedure to avoid injuries.

It is crucial to do this since double-glazed windows can be very fragile and easily crack or break. To protect yourself while repairing your window, put on a pair of protective gloves and wear a respirator or mask. Make sure the area surrounding the window frame is clean and free of debris. Then, you need to put a thick piece of plastic over the area which will be cut by the deglazing tool to capture the pieces of broken glass and make it easier to take them away.

Apart from replacing broken glass, it's also important to check for indications that your double-glazed windows aren't functioning properly. A window that is draughty is one of the most frequent signs that your IGU is blowing and is no longer able to provide adequate insulation. It is also possible to determine the windows are cloudy, or whether there is condensation between them.

Double glazing is not only an option to save money on energy bills but also protect your furniture from heat and double glazing light. Furniture can break and fade if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. However, a double-glazed window will protect your furniture from direct sunlight and reduce the amount of heat that enters into your home.

In addition to being a great option to reduce electric bills, effective double glazing can also increase the value of your property. Installing double glazing is a wise investment if you intend to sell your home in the future.

Remove the gaskets

Double glazing is an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of your home, but it is susceptible to wear and tear over time. Damages that are visible, draughts, and condensation are all signs that it's time for you to repair or replace your double-glazed windows.

The gasket is an essential element of the window assembly. It is a neoprene rubber seal that cushions and protects the window from the elements. Gasket degradation is a leading cause of leaks, and also moisture entering buildings. Fortunately, the seals can be replaced without having to replace the entire window.

Gaskets can be repaired by pinching them and removing them. This is easier to do on uPVC frames than on aluminium or timber. If you're unable to remove seals on your own then you can use a knife for construction to break the seals apart until it is possible to grasp it using your fingertips. After the seal is removed and replaced, you can replace it with a brand new seal to ensure a tight fit and maximum effectiveness.

Once 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 beading. The blade should be placed between the frame and the bead in the middle of longest bead. This will give you maximum leverage to cut off the frame from the bead.

After all of the beading has been removed after which you can take off the glass. The gap between the two panes should be around 12mm, and it is important to fill this space with Argon gas for optimum thermal performance. A bigger gap could be used to reduce the sound levels however it will decrease the insulating performance of windows.

Once the frame has been cleaned it's an ideal idea to spray it with window cleaner prior to installing the DGP. This stops the tape from instantly sticking to the glass, and gives you the chance to put it correctly. It is also recommended to clean the seals made of rubber with a soft cloth and warm soapy water in order to avoid any damage.

Reseal the Window

If you notice that your double glazed windows are getting cloudy or you notice that there is water between the panes it might be time to have them resealed. This kind of issue is a clear indicator that the seal inside has failed to keep the insulation gases in. This is not unusual as the rubber that holds in the insulating gas may be damaged due to wear and tear or poor installation.

A professional window specialist will seal each 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. This caulk will prevent bugs from entering your home and also prevent moisture from getting in.

It is important to note that resealing an existing double-glazed window is not a DIY job, although it is possible to do it yourself. It is a tedious and time-consuming task that requires specialized tools to remove the old caulk, wash the area, and then apply a new caulk. To prevent injury and to ensure the work is done properly it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional perform the task.

In some instances double-glazed glass windows can't be repaired and will need to be completely replaced. This could be due to broken or cracked glasses, extensive damage to the frame, or even serious decay. Ask a double-glazing specialist to determine the best solution for these scenarios.

Often, the misting of windows is an indication that the treatment of the glass in the factory has failed. The factory will apply a low-emissivity layer on the window to reflect heat. It may also pump in an argon gas for additional insulation. If these treatments fail, moisture could enter the gap between the glass panes and cause condensation. A professional can fix this issue by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and pipe in a dehydrating agent to get rid of the moisture. The professional will then fill the gap with gas that is insulating, and seal it without letting any gas escape.