Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to show signs that they need repair. Some of these indicators include drafts entering the window, or misting, and condensation on windows.
You can solve these problems without replacing your entire window unit. You can also save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray pebble from your lawnmower or an accident at work can cause a crack to develop in the double-glazed windows you have. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a damaged glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you will have to replace it.
In a couple of easy steps, you can install the new window pane. The old glass and the wood surrounding it should be removed. Next, the new pane is placed in the opening of the frame and then pressed into position with silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty which can be spread with a putty knife and smoothed using a second putty knife. Window putty can also act as an adhesive to hold the new pane in place. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you may need a chisel to remove any varnish and paint from the grooves where the moldings will fit.
Be sure to wear heavy gloves when working with glass before installing the new window. Then, scrape away double glazing window repairs that remains using a knife. Finally, measure the opening for the new window. With a wood frame, reduce 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same procedure is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the replacement glass.
When repairing a double-glazed window, it is also possible that the seals between the glass panes may be damaged. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can resolve this issue by drilling small holes in the frame to eliminate any moisture. The technician can then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and re-seal it.
It is best to leave the task of repairing double-glazed windows an expert. To avoid injury, it is best to delegate the task to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket for windows) is responsible to seal air between the two glass panes in double glazing and keeping out drafts, noise and moisture. Over time the window seal will shrink or perish. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window when it goes through various temperature and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window are failing. This can allow moisture from the outside to enter and condense inside the glass panes, creating the appearance of a wet, frosted look which is difficult to clean.
There are a few ways to solve this issue without removing your double-glazing. One way to fix this problem is to 'defog the window'. This can be accomplished by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. But, this is a short-term fix as the solution will only eliminate the fog, but it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and does not restore energy efficiency that may have been lost due deteriorating seals.
Another alternative is to replace the glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, fresh and fog-free windows, while also recovering any energy efficiency that was lost. This is more expensive than repairing the IGU but it's a longer-lasting solution.
There is also a chance that the frame of your window or door may be rotting and need to be replaced. This is a costly repair however it will give you a fresh beginning and will stop moisture from entering your home. If you decide to replace your window, it is recommended to hire an expert come out and evaluate the damage prior to making any repairs. They will give you an estimate and provide you with advice on the options available. They can then help you choose a new double glazing that is suitable for. They will then install your windows correctly and use quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with an icy surface. The water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed windows is easy to clean away the moisture that forms between the glass panes could be more troublesome and could cause the growth of mould or damage to the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between your windows can be caused by a variety of things, including fluctuating temperatures as well as high humidity and damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than in modern windows that have improved sealing technology.
While the formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something you should ignore, it is important to remember that this can be repaired without having to replace the entire window unit. This issue is often caused by a leak in the outer or inner frames of the window.
A professional can look over your window and determine if the seals require repairs or replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will help to restore your windows' capacity to insulate heat and cold and result in lower energy bills.
To fix this issue, a professional can drill holes into the windows' outer and inner to expel the moisture that has built up inside. It can take from just a few minutes to several days to get rid of all moisture. Once this is accomplished, the window can be sealed and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally expel air and moisture.
It is important to ensure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional to conduct regular maintenance on your double glazing. This will ensure that any issues are detected early and fixed before they become more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and lessening the necessity for replacements.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double-glazing can develop problems that require repair. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs are cheaper than replacing windows. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water enters the frame of double-glazed units. This happens because the seal made of rubber that keeps the gap between the insulating and insulating of water breaks down and minute holes appear. It can happen due to various reasons. Most often the seals wear out or a small amount moisture is trapped between the panes.
If you find any issue, the first thing you need to do is contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing. The company will investigate the problem and should the warranty be valid, will arrange for the replacement of the item.
The process could take a long time, based on the amount of activity at the company. It is essential to learn everything you can about the company as well as the installers and their services prior to signing a contract. This will help you to avoid any problems later on and also ensure that repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and shattered to stop condensation and moisture developing between the panes of glass. This is a much cheaper option than installing double glazing windows that can cost up to thousands of pounds. It's also better for the environment and will help you to reduce your energy costs.
In certain situations, the frame of a window could need to be replaced completely. This could be due to damage or if the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is best to replace it with the same model. This will improve the energy efficiency of your house and will prevent any future issues with leaks and condensation.