Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. It could be a draught entering the window, misting, condensation between the windows and even broken glass.
These issues can be solved without replacing your entire window unit and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A pebble from a lawnmower, 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. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. Therefore, if a cracked pane of glass leaves your home with an empty gap in the frame, it is essential to replace it.
A new window can be put in place in a few simple steps. The old glass and wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane should then be inserted into the frame opening and pressed down using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to close the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using a putty knife, and then smoothed using 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 your double-glazed windows have been painted, you will need to use the chisel to scrape off the paint or varnish.
Before installing a new window, ensure you are wearing a pair of gloves that are thick to prevent cuts when working with glass. After that, using a utility blade scrape away any window glass that remains and determine the opening of the new window. With a wood frame, remove 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same process is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the replacement glass.
In the course of repairing a double-glazed window it is also possible that the seals between the glass panes may fail. This could result in condensation or a mist that forms in the gap. This issue can be fixed by a technician drilling small holes in the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and seal it.
It is better to leave the job of repairing double-glazed windows to professionals. To avoid injury, it's recommended to leave the work to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also known as the window gasket) is responsible to seal air between the two glass panes in your double glazing and keeping out drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes, the window seal can shrink or become brittle. This is due to natural expansion and contraction when the window goes through different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
The presence of fog in windows is an indication of a weak airtight seal. This can allow humidity from the outside air to penetrate and form a condensing layer between the glass panes, creating an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to clean.
There are several options to fix this issue without having to remove your double-glazing. One option is to "defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. However, this is only a temporary fix since the solution will only eliminate the fog, but it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and bring back the energy efficiency that might have been lost due deteriorating seals.
You can also replace your insulated glazing unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, clear windows that are free of fog and restore any loss in energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than fixing the IGU, but it's a much more durable solution.
There is also a chance that the frame of your door or window could be decaying and requires to be replaced. This is a major repair job and could be costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's best to have an expert visit and assess the damage prior to making any repairs. They'll provide you with a quote and offer advice on the options available. They can help you choose the right double-glazing option that will fit perfectly. They will install your windows in a proper manner and use quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is a natural process that happens when warm air comes in contact with a cool surface. Air vapour is able to condense into, forming droplets of liquid. Condensation that forms on windows with double-glazed glass can be easily wiped away. However, the moisture that accumulates between the panes may cause mould to grow or even damage the glass.
The moisture that builds up between your windows can be caused by a variety of things such as fluctuating temperatures, high humidity and broken seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than in newer ones that have better sealing technology.
double glazing repair is important to note that while the formation of condensation on the glass of your window should not be ignored, this can easily be fixed without having to replace the entire unit. In most cases this issue, it is caused by an issue with the gas seal or vacuum that is found between the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional can inspect your windows and determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals need to be replaced, it will improve your windows' capacity to for insulation from cold or heat which will result in lower energy bills.
To address this issue, a specialist can drill holes in the windows' outer and inner to remove the water that has accumulated inside. It can take anything from a few minutes to several days to get rid of all the moisture. Once this is accomplished, the window can be sealed again and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
The best way to avoid this problem completely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed and maintained regularly to prevent seals from breaking down. This can be achieved by enlisting a professional to conduct a regular maintenance service for your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are caught early and can be fixed before they become more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows, and reducing the need for replacements.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes the frames of double-glazing can develop problems which require fixing. These will need the expertise of an expert. The majority of repairs will be less expensive than replacing window units. They are also more energy efficient.
One of the most common problems is when water gets into the frame of a double-glazed unit and causes condensation. This happens because the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating gap clear of water breaks down and minute holes appear. This can be a result from a variety reasons most often the seals being worn down or the slightest amount of moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
If you find any issue the first thing you should do is contact the company where 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.
It is important to keep in mind that this process can take some time, depending on how busy the business is. Therefore, it's an excellent idea to research and gather as much information about the company and the installers as possible before signing a contract with them. This will help you to avoid any problems later on and ensure that repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and cracked to stop condensation and moisture forming between the panes of glass. This can be much less expensive than buying and installing new double glazing windows which can cost thousands of pounds. It's also better for the environment and will allow you to reduce your energy bills.
In some cases the window frame may need to be completely replaced. This could be because of damage or if windows have become old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it's best to replace it with the same model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and prevent any problems with condensation or leaks.