Do-It-Yourself Double Glazing Repairs
Double glazing is a great way to keep a building warm, but it may also develop problems with time. Leaking, broken glass or foggy windows are all issues which can cause energy loss, expensive repairs and health problems.
FENSA certified installers are able to help you maintain or repair your double glazing in order to be energy efficient and meet the standards of legal compliance and resale values.
Broken Panes
A window that is damaged can be a major problem, blocking light, air and even pests from entering your home. While you could certainly employ a professional to fix the damaged window but you can also repair the damage yourself at a fraction of the cost.
To do this, you'll must remove the old pane. Begin by putting on protective glasses, gloves for work and a dust mask to protect yourself from lead shards and glass dust. Establish a stable work surface in a well-ventilated area. Place a dropcloth under the work surface to take any glass that falls as you remove it. You should keep a HEPA vacuum close by to get rid of dust, debris, and hazardous waste as you work.
After the window has been removed, use a utility knife to scrape off the old glazing putty. Be careful not damage the wooden frame of the window. If the old putty is stubborn, try using a heating gun to soften it prior to scraping it off using the knife. Make sure you wear safety glasses when working with a heating gun, and use caution to avoid getting any hot wood or glass shards in your eyes.
Next, prepare the frame to accept the new pane. Take measurements of the opening and subtract 1/16 inch in both directions to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood. Then, have your local hardware store cut you a piece of double-strength glass that will fit the opening precisely. Dry-fit the new glass to ensure it fits snugly before putting it in.
After you've installed the new glass, apply a small amount of latex caulk around the opening's perimeter for a weather seal. Then, put in the glazing points to keep the new pane in the proper position. Generally, you only need two points along each edge for windows of standard sizes.
After the new glaze has dried it is possible to paint over it to match the rest of the frame. If you are concerned about the possibility of cracks, you can use a strong masking tape to prevent superficial cracks from becoming worse.
Frames that are damaged
You should examine the frame first. It is necessary to have it repaired professionally when there are cracks or rust or corrosion, or if the frame is broken into two pieces. Metal frames cannot be glued and any attempt to solder or weld them will result in permanent damage.
If the frame is not too damaged, you can use a small brush and a bit of conservation detergent or water to clean the frame carefully. This will get rid of any dirt, grease, or dust that has built up over time. Cleaning old frames with intricate carvings or gesso could reveal the original finish beneath the dust.
If the frame is damaged, you'll require a pair needle-nosed pliers, wood glue and sandpaper, as well with a small clamp. Begin by getting rid of the glass, picture and back of the frame. Carefully pry the frame apart at the corners, where you can see the nails or brads. If you can, open the joints, scrape off any old glue and apply fresh glue.
Loose Compound
The glazing compound that holds the glass panes inside their wooden frames is an essential part of the energy efficiency of any historical building. It seals wood, bonds glass to frame, and sheds water to avoid damage caused by water over time. The compound may crack or have gaps that let air in which reduces insulation and increasing utility bills. Keeping up with repair work on double-glazed windows can help keep them running smoothly and efficiently.
If you see drafts at the edges of your window frames the weatherstripping seal could be worn or loose. This seal can reduce energy bills and improve comfort. If you hear loud noises from outside, like machinery and traffic, it could also indicate that the glazing tape is worn out or has gone missing.
Remove the old tape and scrub the frame edges thoroughly. Apply a new piece of tape to the frame's edge and press it down firmly. It's available at any hardware store, and it's a low-cost method to increase the performance of your double-glazed windows.
While standard super glues are effective to bond metal, wood and other common materials, they're not suitable for use on glass-based surfaces. Find a glass-based adhesive like Loctite Extreme Glue Gel. This kind of glue is designed to withstand moisture and ultraviolet light making it an ideal choice for fixing double-glazed windows.
Before you start repairing your windows, you'll need to clean the surface of the frame and sash using a degreaser to ensure that the new glue sticks properly. Then prepare the area to be coated by applying an oil-based primer. Prime the entire surface, including the back of the sash which is where it sits within the frame.
You can repair most double-glazed window problems However, when the windows are seriously damaged or do not provide enough insulation, replacement may be your best option. Get a professional handyman or glazier for the best choice. Regular maintenance and repairs will keep your windows looking their best for many years.
Foggy Panes
Foggy windows occur when the window seal is damaged. This allows air to enter and slowly accumulate moisture between the glass panes. Foggy windows can trigger a variety of issues, from calcium deposits and condensation to black stains or fungus. It's not just unsightly but also leads to lower energy efficiency as well as increased heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, the problem can be fixed. Foggy windows are usually caused by simple moisture buildup, so the initial step is to remove as much of the moisture as possible. This can be accomplished by using a defogging agent or shaving cream. If none of these solutions work, it's time to get a professional.
Double pane windows are able function due to the space between them. This space is usually filled with argon or krypton which are non-toxic gases that are more dense than air and can slow heat transfer even further. If the gas is leaking out your windows, they're not properly insulated. Replacing your windows with new IGUs will not only fix the fogging but restore your home's energy efficiency as well.
farnborough Door Glazier and Glazing believe that they need to replace the entire window when fogging occurs, however this isn't the case in all cases. Some glass shops offer to replace the insulating unit (IGU) only, and without replacing the entire frame or the sash. This is a cheaper option that's just as effective at fixing your windows.
While there are a few DIY remedies to prevent window condensation, like shaving gel or defogging lotion it is best to call a professional so that the job is done safely and in a correct manner. A window repair expert will drill holes in the glass and then inject cleaning solutions into the space between the panes. They will then scrub the surface that has been soiled and dry the inside of the window, thus restoring its appearance and function. To learn more about this process or to schedule a no pressure consultation at home, call a local expert in window replacement and repairs.