Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to appear to be in need of repair. These might include a draught entering the window, misting or condensation between the windows and even broken glass.
These issues can be solved without having to replace your entire window unit. You can also save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A pebble from a lawnmower or a baseball toss by your children or even an accident at work could result in a cracking in the glass of your double-glazed window. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. So, if a damaged pane of glass leaves your home with a space in the frame, it is imperative to replace it.
A new window can be put in place in a couple of easy steps. The old glass and the wood surrounding it must be removed. Then, the new glass is placed in the opening of the frame and pressed into place using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty, which can be spread around with a putty knife and smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty is also an adhesive to hold the new pane in the frame. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you might require a chisel in order to remove any varnish or paint from the grooves where the moldings fit.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass before installing the new window. Then, scrape away any remaining window glazing using a utility knife. Then determine the opening for the new windowpane. If you have a wooden frame, subtract 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same process should be followed with metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the glass replacement.
It is possible that seals between the glass panes could be damaged during repairs that are double-glazed. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. This issue can be solved by a technician drilling small holes into the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and seal it again.
It is better to leave the task of fixing double-glazed windows to professionals. Special tools are needed to remove and install the new glass, therefore the work should only be handled by a certified professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the window gasket) is responsible to seal air between the two panes of glass in your double glazing, and preventing drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes, the window seal can shrink or even disappear. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it moves through various weather conditions and temperatures all through the year.
Foggy windows are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This will allow water from outside to enter and condense within the glass panes, resulting in an appearance of frosted, wet that is hard to clean.
There are a variety of ways to solve 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 cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is only a temporary fix, as the solution will only eliminate the fog and not replace the inert gases that are between the glass panes. It will not bring back any energy efficiency that's been lost due to the deterioration of seals.
Another option is to replace your glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean and fog-free windows, while also restoring any lost energy efficiency. This will cost more than simply fixing the IGU, but it is a more permanent solution.
There is also a chance that the wood frame of your door or window may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair however it will give you a new start and stop more moisture from getting into your home. It is best to get a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you make any repairs. They'll be able to offer you a price and give you advice about your options. They can assist you in choosing the right double-glazing option that will fit perfectly. They will then install your windows in a proper manner and use quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is an natural phenomenon that happens when warm air comes into contact with an 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, moisture that forms in between the glass panes could be more difficult to remove, and may cause the growth of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between the windows in your home can be caused by a number of issues, including temperature variations as well as high humidity levels and broken seals. This issue is more common in older windows than modern ones with better sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that although the development of condensation on the glass of your window must not be overlooked, it can easily be fixed without the need to replace the entire unit. In many instances this issue, it is caused by an issue with the vacuum or gas seal that is found in the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional can examine your windows and determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals require to be replaced, it will restore your windows' ability to insulate cold or heat and result in lower energy costs.
To resolve 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 anything from just a few minutes to several days to remove all moisture. When the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow moisture and air to be able to escape naturally.
The best way to avoid this issue altogether is by ensuring that your windows are sealed, and regularly maintained to prevent the seals from breaking down. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional who will conduct regular maintenance on your double glazing. This will ensure that any issues are caught early and fixed before they become more serious, helping to extend the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and reducing the need for replacements.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing may develop issues which require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of repairs will be much cheaper than replacing windows. They will also be much more energy efficient.
One of the most frequent problems is when water gets into the frame of a double-glazed unit and causes condensation. This occurs when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating space free of water cracks and tiny holes appear. This can be a result of a variety of reasons typically the seals wearing down or the slightest amount of water getting trapped between the panes.
double glazing window repairs to take if you notice this problem is to contact the firm you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will investigate the issue and in the event that the warranty is valid, they will arrange for the replacement of the unit.
The process could take a long time, based on the activity level at the firm. It is essential to find out all you can about the business as well as the installers and services prior to signing the contract. This will help you avoid problems later and ensure that repairs are done properly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and cracked to stop condensation and moisture from forming between the panes of glass. This can be much cheaper than buying and installing new double-glazing windows which can cost thousands of pounds. It is also more sustainable and will allow you to save money on your energy bills.
In some instances, the frame of a window could require replacement completely. This could be because of damage or if the windows have become outdated and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is best to replace it with the same model. This will improve the efficiency of your house and avoid future issues with condensation and leaks.