Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary

Double glazing windows are a great alternative to conserve energy. However, they can be damaged over time. Luckily, they're easy to fix.

A problem with the seal can be identified by the foggy glass, condensation inside the panes, or mist. A professional is able to resolve this issue without needing to replace the entire window.

Broken Panes

A rock, a baseball thrown, or even a powerful breeze can crack the double-pane window. If this happens, it is difficult to determine if the whole window needs to be replaced or whether the insulation benefits of this type of glass can be restored with an easy repair.

Repairing a broken glass pane of a double-glazed window isn't as complicated as it might seem. You can do it yourself if you have the right materials and know how to make use of them. With the right tools, you will avoid causing any further damage to your windows. You will also be able to avoid any injuries due to handling sharp glass.

The first step is to remove the old sealant that was sat on the broken glass. You can do this manually so long as you've got gloves that are protected and a method to dispose of the waste close to hand. You can use a multipurpose knife or deglazing tools to get the job done. After you have removed the sealant from the window, take care to remove the broken glass and store it in a safe location.

The next step is to prepare the frame. Make use of a utility knife scrape off any caulking and paint from the rabbets (the grooves in the sash that the glass rests). You can then use a paint stripper or sandpaper to expose the bare wood. Apply a coat of exterior primer to the surface that is exposed.

Once the rabbets are prepared and shaped, you can apply putty on them to prepare them to reinstall the glass pane. The putty should be soft and warm so that it can be pressed into the rabbets. It is essential to press evenly across the entire surface so that there aren't any gaps.

After the putty has set, you can put back in the wooden stops and silicone the edges to ensure your double pane windows are as solid as possible. Replace the weather stripping on the bottom of the frames to increase airflow and stop water from entering your home. This will also reduce your energy bill.

Foggy Glass

Foggy windows could be an indication of a weak seal, which allows draughts or moisture to enter the gap. This is most frequent in humid and wet climates where wooden frames could rot when exposed to too much condensation and moisture. If this is the situation, a replacement window might be required however it's usually cheaper to fix the issue with the existing glass unit.

This can be accomplished by drilling small holes on the inside of the frame using a carbide-tipped drill bit to avoid breaking the glass panes. You can then apply the dehumidifier as well as a cleaning solution to eliminate the moisture that has been trapped between the two glass panes. If you're trying to accomplish this, you should be careful not to pick a day that the sun is extremely hot or extremely cold. This can put too much strain on the glass and may cause it to break. Wear safety glasses and gloves since you'll be working with sharp tools close to the glass.

Once the fog has been cleared out after which you can add a small tube to one of the holes and make use of a spray-rinse solution to wash down the panes of glass and remove any remaining debris. After the window has dried it is possible to apply caulk around the hole and the glass's edge to protect it from the elements.


You might be able to fix the leaky seals by yourself if you're an expert in DIY. This is a risky task, and you'll need to monitor the condition of any plugs installed into the gap. Even if the issue is solved but it's likely to come back within six months as moisture will creep back into the gap. This can cause condensation and draughts in the home as well as being an electrical risk. It is recommended to hire a qualified professional to do the task.

Condensation Between the Panes

Condensation in double paned windows is more than an inconvenience. It indicates that the seals are failing. This allows moist air to get in which could damage the gaskets and when the condensation is very severe it could also cause jams or rot wooden window frames. This is typically solved by replacing the window with a new one that has gaskets and sealings.

However, the expense of doing this can be high and it's not always feasible, particularly when one or both of the panes have damaged or cracked. There are, however, alternatives to replacing the entire glass unit to provide long term double repair solutions for the glazing.

The first step is to get rid of the condensation using a commercial defogging spray like WD-40 Original for Windows. This spray can be applied to both sides of the glass and will usually absorb all the moisture in minutes. This should be done once a day at the very least, but you can repeat the process if you need to.

If the problem persists then it could be necessary to make a couple of small holes on the outside of the window, near the bottom edge. When the sun shines on the outside glass, it warms up, and if there's any condensation in the window this will move toward the holes and then be vented out through the holes as the air expands. This usually clears the window of condensation, but because it has not solved the issue in the initial place it is likely to remain a problem for a long time.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a hole-free method but this will not work as well and runs the risk of shattering or cracking the glass. This is a long-term solution that involves the application of a special glue into the cracks. It can be effective however, it is not as effective as a replacement with a complete seal. It is best to hire an expert in both instances to ensure that the procedure is done correctly and to avoid any future issues with condensation or leaks.

Mist

When mist forms on windows, it is usually a sign that the window seal has failed. In some cases it is possible to repair the issue. However, in most instances, it will require replacing the seal.

This issue can be seen with both new and old double-glazed windows. It usually occurs due to the large temperature difference between the indoors and outdoor. This can cause condensation to build up in the glass when the cold air comes in contact with warm air. The condensation dries on the surface of the window and forms a fog or mist.

Modern double glazing works by filling the space between the glass panes with the gas argon. This acts as an effective barrier between cold and warm air. The space is also sprayed with an exclusive silica-based formula that is designed to absorb moisture between panes of glass. glaziers near me can wear out over time and you could notice a buildup of moisture inside the window.

If the condensation is confined on the inside of your double-glazed windows, it might be possible to repair them rather than replacing them. The repair process will involve taking the sealed unit out of the frame, cutting the panes apart from the spacer bars, cleaning each one thoroughly before replacing the desiccant. The result should be a clean window with no condensation on the inside. This is a great option for those looking to save money but don't want to replace windows that are already in use.

Obviously, if you have broken panes, extensive rot, or frames that have lost its strength, then replacement is necessary. If you're having issues with the window seal, it may be possible for your windows to be saved and improved in energy efficiency. Contact a local business that specialises in double glazed window repairs to determine what options you have to consider to fix the current glass.