Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. These might include a draught coming through the window, misting, condensation between the windows and broken glass.
These issues can be solved without having to replace your entire window unit and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray piece of sand from your lawnmower or an accident at the office can cause a crack to form in your double-glazed windows. As opposed to single-pane windows glazing features an airtight seal that protects the gas from being insulated between two glass panes. So, if a damaged pane is left in your home with a gap in the frame it is essential to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can set up an entirely new window pane. The old glass and wood surrounding it must be removed. The new glass should be inserted in the frame opening, and pressed down using silicone caulk.
The frame's gap 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 serve as an adhesive, which helps to hold the new pane into place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you might need a chisel to remove any varnish or paint from the grooves in which the moldings are.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass before installing windows. Then, scrape off any window glass that remains with a utility knife and measure the opening for the new windowpane. If you have a wooden frame, remove 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 seals in between the glass panes can also become faulty during a double-glazed repair. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can fix this issue by drilling small holes into the frame to expel any moisture. The technician could then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and seal it again.
It is better to leave the task of repairing double-glazed windows to an expert. To avoid injury, it is best to leave the job to a professional.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also known as the gasket or window seal is responsible to seal the air between two panes of double glazing. double glazing window repairs prevents drafts, sound and moisture. However, over time, the window seal could deteriorate or shrink. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction as the window experiences various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
The presence of fog in windows is an indication of a weak airtight seal. This will allow water from outside to enter and condense inside the glass panes, giving a frosted, wet appearance that is hard to clean.
There are a few ways you can fix this issue without having to remove the double-glazing. One option is to 'defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleaning solution between the glass panes. This is a temporary fix since the solution will only remove the fog and not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It won't also replace any energy efficiency that has been lost because of deteriorated seals.
Another alternative is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, fresh windows that are free of fog and restore any loss in energy efficiency. This is more expensive than simply repairing the IGU, but it is an option that is more durable.
There is also the chance that the wood frame of your door or window may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a costly repair however, it will give you a fresh beginning and will stop moisture from entering the home. It is recommended to hire an expert to evaluate the damage to your window before you begin any repairs. They will give you an estimate and guide you on the best options. They will help you select a new double-glazed that is perfect for your. They will use quality materials and ensure that your windows are set up properly to last for many years to come.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation is a natural phenomenon that happens when warm air comes in contact with the cool surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, creating droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed window can be easy to remove the moisture that forms between the glass panes could be more problematic, and can result in the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between your windows could be caused by many things, including fluctuating temperatures, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more prone to this problem than ones that have improved sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that while the formation of condensation on the glass of your window should not be overlooked, it can be easily addressed without having to replace the entire unit. This issue is often caused by a leak within the frames that are either on the inside or outside of the window.
A trained professional can inspect your windows and determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will improve your windows' ability to insulate heat and cold and result in lower energy costs.
To resolve this issue, a specialist can drill holes in 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 the moisture. When the window is dry it can be sealed with vents that allow air and moisture to go away naturally.
The best method to avoid this issue entirely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed and regularly maintained to prevent seals from degrading. You can achieve this by hiring a professional who will carry out regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will help you spot any issues early and address them before they become worse, extending the lifespan of double-glazed windows.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes the frames of double glazing could develop issues that require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of these are much cheaper than having to replace window units. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when moisture gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space clear of water breaks and tiny holes start to form. This could be because of a variety of reasons, most commonly the seals wearing down or a small amount of moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
The first step to take if you notice this problem is to contact the firm you bought your double glazing from. They will then examine the issue and, if the problem is covered under warranty, they will arrange to have the unit replaced for you.
The process could take some time, depending on the amount of activity at the company. It is crucial to find out all you can about the business, the installers and their services before signing a contract. This will allow you to avoid any problems later and also ensure that your repairs are done correctly.
A specialist can repair the gasket seals which have shrunk and broken to stop condensation and moisture from developing between the panes of glass. This is a lot less expensive than buying and installing new double glazing windows that could cost thousands of dollars. It is also healthier for the environment and will help you to save money on your energy costs.
In some cases the frame of the window may require replacement completely. This could be due to damage or if the windows have become outdated and are no longer energy efficient. If the window can't be repaired, it is recommended to replace it with a replacement that is similar to the style and design. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home and will prevent any future issues with leaks and condensation.