Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows will begin to show signs of needing repair. These might include a draught coming through the window, misting and condensation between the windows and broken glass.
You can solve these problems without having to replace your entire window unit, and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower's pebble, a baseball thrown by your kids or even an accident at work can lead to a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. As opposed to single-pane windows glazing has an airtight seal that keeps insulated gas between two panes of glass. Therefore, if a cracked pane leaves your home with an empty gap in the frame it is necessary to replace it.
A new window can be fitted in a couple of easy steps. First the old glass and the wood around it should be removed from the frame. The new glass should be positioned into the frame opening and then pressed into place using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to cover the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using a putty blade, then smoothed using a second one. Window putty also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in place. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you might require a chisel in order to remove any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings fit.
Before installing a new window make sure you have a pair of gloves that are thick to avoid cuts when working with glass. Then, scrape off any remaining window glazing using a knife. Finally, measure the opening for the new window. If you have a wooden frame, subtract 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. Metal frames should be treated the same way to ensure the replacement glass fits snugly.
It is possible that the seals between glass panes could be damaged during a double-glazed repair. This can result in condensation or mist in the gap. This issue can be solved by a technician who drills tiny holes into the frame. The technician could then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap and seal it again.
It is best to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows an expert. To avoid injury, it is best to leave the job to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket on the window) is responsible for sealing air between the two glass panes in your double glazing and preventing drafts, noise and moisture. But with time, this window seal can perish or shrink. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through different temperatures and weather conditions all through the year.
Foggy windows can be an indication of a weak airtight seal. This can allow humidity from outside to enter and build up between the glass panes creating an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to wipe clean.
It is possible to fix the issue without having to remove double-glazing. One option is to 'defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is a temporary solution because the solution only removes the fog, not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It will not restore any energy efficiency that has been lost due to the deterioration of seals.
You can also replace your insulated glazing unit (IGU). This will give you clean, fresh windows, free of fog, and restore any lost energy efficiency. This is more expensive than repairing the IGU, but it's a much more durable solution.
There is also the possibility that the wood frame of your door or window could be decaying and requires to be replaced. This is a costly repair, but it will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from entering the home. If you do decide to replace your window, it's best to have a professional come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They can give you an estimate and guide you on the options available. They can help you choose a new double-glazing that will fit perfectly. They will then install your windows properly and make use of top quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is a natural process that occurs when warm air comes into contact with an cool surface. Water vapour in air condenses, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed window can be easy to remove the moisture that forms between the glass panes could be more difficult to remove, and could lead to the development of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between the windows in your home can be caused by a variety of issues, such as temperature fluctuations as well as high humidity levels and damaged seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than modern ones with better sealing technology.
Although the development of condensation between the window panes is not something you ought to ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this issue can be fixed without having to replace the entire window unit. In many cases, this issue is caused by leaks in the gas seal or vacuum which is found in the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional can examine your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or require to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will help to restore the windows' ability to insulate cold and heat, resulting in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in both the inner and outer windows to remove the moisture that has built up inside. This can take anywhere from just a few hours to a few days for the moisture to completely disappear out of the window. After this is completed the window can be sealed again and fitted with vents to let the windows naturally release air and moisture.
It is important to make sure that your windows are maintained and sealed to prevent this problem. You can achieve this by hiring a professional to perform a regular maintenance for your double glazing. This will help you spot any issues early and correct them before they get any worse, which will prolong the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames damaged
Sometimes the frames of double glazing can develop issues that require fixing. These will need the expertise of a professional. Most of these types are cheaper than having to replace windows. They will also be much more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
One of the most frequently encountered problems is when water enters into the frame of a double glazed unit and results in condensation. This happens when the seal made of rubber that keeps the gap between the insulating and insulating of water breaks down and tiny holes begin to appear. This can be a result of a variety of causes, most commonly the seals are worn down or a small amount of moisture accumulating between the panes.
If you notice a problem the first thing you need to do is contact the business from which you bought your double glazing. They will investigate the issue and, if it is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to have the unit replaced for you.
double glazing repairs is crucial to remember that this process could take a while, based on how busy the company is. Therefore, it is recommended to research and find out as many details about the company and the installers as possible before you sign an agreement with them. This will help you avoid any issues later on and also ensure that your repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can replace gaskets that have shrunk or cracked in order to prevent condensation and moisture from developing between the glass panes. This is a lot less expensive than buying and installing new double glazing windows, which could cost thousands of dollars. This is more sustainable for the environment and will save you money on energy costs.
In certain situations, the frame of a window could require replacement completely. It could be due to damage or because the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is not able to be repaired, it's best that it be replaced with a window that is similar to the design. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home as well as prevent any future issues with condensation or leaks.