Glazing Repair Tips From The Best In The Industry
Do-It-Yourself Double Glazing Repairs
Double glazing can keep the temperature of a home warm, but it can also cause problems over time. Issues like leaks, broken glass or foggy windows may lead to loss of energy efficiency, expensive repairs, and even health issues.
FENSA certified installers are able to assist you maintain or repair your double glazing in order to comply with the energy efficiency requirements of legal compliance and resale value.
Broken Panes
A damaged window can cause many problems, as it could block air, light and even pests. While you may employ a professional to fix the broken pane however, you could also repair the damage yourself at only a fraction of the cost.
To do this, you have to take off the old pane. To protect yourself from glass dust and lead shards, wear protective glasses gloves, a mask and gloves. Establish a stable work surface in a well-ventilated area. You should also place a drop cloth under the work area to catch loose glass when it is removed. It is a good idea to keep an HEPA vacuum close by to clean dust, debris, and hazardous waste as you work.
After the window has been removed and the old window is removed, use a knife to scrape off the old glazing putty. Be careful not damage the wooden frame of the window. If the old putty is difficult to remove, you could try using a heating gun to soften it prior to scraping it off with the knife. Wear safety goggles and be aware of getting hot glass or wood fragments in your eyes when using a heating gun.
Next, make the frame ready to receive the new pane. To account for wood expansion and contraction, measure the opening and subtract one sixteenth inch in both directions. Then, have your local hardware store cut a piece of double-strength glass that will fit the opening precisely. Dry-fit the new glass to ensure it is snugly fitted before putting it in.
Once you have the new glass in place, put a small bead of latex caulk around perimeter of the opening for a weather-proof seal. Then, install the glazing points to keep the new pane in the proper position. For standard window glass sizes, you will only need to install two points on each edge.
Once the new glazing compound 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 then you can use a heavy-duty masking tape to stop cracks on the surface from getting worse.
Damaged Frames
The first thing you have to do is look over the frame. It is necessary to have it fixed professionally if there are cracks or rust or corrosion or if the frame appears to be broken into two pieces. Metal frames cannot be glued together and attempting to weld or solder them yourself will cause permanent damage.
If Glazier and Glazing sutton-coldfield hasn't been damaged too badly You can clean it with a small brush, some conserving detergent and water. This will get rid of any dust, grease or dirt that has built up over time. Cleaning antique frames with ornate carvings or gesso can reveal the original finish beneath the dust.
If the frame is broken You will require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, wood putty, sandpaper and a small clamp. Remove the back, the photo and the glass of the frame. Take care to break the frame at the corners, where you'll see the nails or brads. If possible, open the joints and scrape away any glue that is old and apply fresh glue.
Loose Compound
The glazing compound that keeps glass window panes within their wooden frames is a vital element of any building's energy efficiency. It is a sealant for the wood, it binds the glass to the frame, and sheds moisture to stop water damage as time passes. This compound can crack or have gaps that allow air to get in the frame, reducing insulation values and causing higher utility bills. Keep up with the repair work on your double-glazed window to ensure they are operating smoothly.
If you notice drafts around the edges of your window frames the weatherstripping seal could be worn-out or loose. Replacing this seal will reduce energy bills and improves comfort. If you hear loud sounds outside, such as machinery or traffic, this could indicate that the glass tape is worn out.
Remove the tape and clean the frame edge thoroughly. Apply a piece of fresh tape to the frame edge and press it firmly. You can buy this at any hardware store, and it's a low-cost way to improve the performance of your double-glazed windows.
Standard super glues are excellent for wood, metal, and other common materials. However they're not the best choice for glass surfaces. Find a glass-based adhesive such as Loctite Extreme Glue Gel. This type of adhesive is designed to withstand moisture and UV light making it a great alternative for fixing double-glazed windows.
Before you start repairing your windows, you'll want to clean the surface of the frame and sash by using a degreaser to ensure that the new glue is able to stick. Then prepare the area that will be coated by applying an oil-based primer. Make sure to prime the entire surface, including the back of the sash, where it is positioned in the frame.
You can repair most double-glazed window issues, but if the windows are severely damaged, or if they are no longer able to provide sufficient insulation, replacing them could be the best choice. Get a professional handyman or glazier for the best decision. Regular inspection and repair of your windows will make them look their best and function smoothly for many years to come.
Foggy Panes
Foggy windows occur when the window seal fails and allows air to get between the glass panes and slowly build up moisture. Foggy windows can cause a number of issues, from condensation to calcium deposits to black stains and fungus. Apart from being ugly and causing a decrease in energy efficiency and higher heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, it is possible to fix the problem. Foggy windows are usually caused by simple moisture buildup, so the initial step is to get rid of as much moisture as is possible. You can do this by using a defogging solution or shaving cream. If these solutions don't work you, it's time to call a professional.
The reason double pane windows work is due to the space between them. The space is filled with Krypton, or argon. These non-toxic gases are more dense than air and have a slower heat transfer. If the gas is leaking out, your windows aren't properly insulated. The replacement of your windows with new IGUs will not only fix the fogging issue, but will also boost your home's energy efficiency too.
Many homeowners are under the impression that they must replace their entire window if it gets foggy, but this isn't always the case. In fact, some glass shops will offer to replace only the insulating glass unit (IGU) without replacing the entire frame or sash. This is a cheaper solution and could be equally effective in fixing your windows.
Although there are a few DIY solutions to window condensation, including defogging spray or shaving cream but it is advised to seek out a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. A window repair specialist will first make holes in the glass, and then inject cleaning solution between the panes. They then clean the surface that has been soiled and dry the interior of the window, restoring its appearance and functionality. To learn more about this process, or to schedule a no-pressure consultation at home, call an expert in your area for window replacement and repairs.
