Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows may begin to appear to be in need of repair. Some of these signs include drafts entering the window or misting and condensation on windows.
You can solve these problems without replacing your entire window unit and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower's pebble or a baseball that your children throw at you or even an accident at work can cause a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. In contrast to single-pane windows glazing features an airtight seal that keeps insulated gas between two glass panes. If a broken glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you'll need to replace it.
In a few easy steps, you can install a new window pane. The old glass and the wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane must be positioned in the frame opening, and then pressed into place using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to fill the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using the help of a blade for putty, and then smoothed with a second one. Window putty can also act as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in the frame. If the wood moldings on the double-glazed windows are painted, you'll need to use a chisel in order to remove the excess paint or varnish.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass prior installing windows. After that, using a utility knife scrape away the remaining window glass and measure the opening of the new window. For wooden frames you should subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to allow for the expansion and contraction of wood. Metal frames should be treated in the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits comfortably.
It is possible that the seals between glass panes may also become faulty during the repair of double-glazed. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can fix this issue by drilling small holes in the frame to eliminate any moisture. He or she may then pipe in hot air to dry the gap, and seal it up again.
It is better to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows to professionals. Special tools are needed to remove and install the new glass, therefore the task should be handled by a certified professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal is responsible for securing the air between two panes of double glazing. It also helps prevent drafts as well as sound and moisture. As time passes the window seal will shrink or perish. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction as the window is exposed to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This will allow water from outside to enter and condense in between the glass panes, creating a frosted, wet appearance which is difficult to clean.
It is possible to fix the issue without removing double-glazing. One option is to 'defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is however a short-term fix as the solution only eliminates 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 option is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean, fog-free windows and will restore any energy efficiency. This is more expensive than simply repairing the IGU, but it is a more permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your door or window could be rotting. This may require replacement. This is a major repair job and can be very costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a fresh start and stop further moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's best to have a professional come out and evaluate the damage prior to making any repairs. They will give you an estimate and guide you on the best options. They will then assist you to choose a new double glazing that is perfect for your. They will install your windows properly and make use of top quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air is in contact with a cold surface. Air vapour is able to condense into, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that occurs on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to clean away the moisture that forms between glass panes can be more troublesome and may lead to the development of mould or damage to the glass itself.
The condensation that forms between the windows of your home could be the result of a variety of issues, including temperature variations as well as high humidity levels and damaged seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than in modern windows that have improved sealing technology.
Although the development of condensation between the panes of your window is not something you should ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this can be repaired without the need to replace the entire window unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak around the outer or inner frames of the window.
A professional can inspect your window and determine if seals need to be repaired or replaced. If the seals must be replaced it will improve your windows' capacity to to insulate cold or heat, resulting lower energy costs.
A specialist can employ a drill to create holes in both the inner and outward windows to eliminate the moisture that has accumulated inside. It can take from just a few minutes to several days to get rid of all moisture. Once the window is dry it can be sealed with vents that allow moisture and air to go away naturally.
It is important to ensure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to prevent this issue. This can be achieved by hiring a professional who will perform a regular maintenance for your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are caught early and can be fixed before they become more serious, assisting to prolong the life of your double-glazed windows and reducing the necessity for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double glazing can develop problems which need repairing. These repairs will require the expertise of a professional. double glazing window repairs of these types of repairs will be much cheaper than replacing windows. They are also more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
Condensation is caused when water enters the frame of double-glazed units. This is caused when the rubber seal which keeps the insulating gap clear of water wears out and minute holes appear. This could be the result from a variety reasons, most commonly the seals are worn down or some water getting trapped between the panes.
If you spot a problem, the first thing you need to do is contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing. The company will look into the issue and, if the warranty is valid, they will arrange for the replacement of the unit.
This process can take a long time, based on the amount of activity within the company. It is essential to know everything you can about the business, the installers and their services before signing the contract. This will allow you to avoid any problems later and also make sure that repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can repair the gaskets that have shrunk or broken in order to prevent condensation and moisture from forming between the glass panes. This is a less expensive alternative to installing double-glazed windows that can cost up to thousands of dollars. It's also more sustainable and will allow you to save money on your energy bills.
In some instances, the window frame might require replacement completely. This could be because of damage, or if the windows have become outdated and no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it is best to replace it with a similar model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your house and prevent future problems caused by leaks and condensation.