Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. It could be a draught entering the window, misting and condensation on the windows, or even broken glass.
You can resolve these issues without replacing your entire window unit. You can also save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A pebble from a lawnmower or a baseball thrown by your kids or even an accident at work can lead to a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. Unlike double glazing repair -pane windows, double glazing features an airtight seal that protects the gas from being insulated between two panes of glass. Therefore, if a cracked pane is left in your home with an empty gap in the frame, it is imperative to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can install the new window pane. First the old glass and the wood around it should be removed from the frame. Next, the new pane is inserted into the opening of the frame and then pressed in place using silicone caulk.
The frame's gap is then filled with window putty which can be spread with a putty knife and smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you may require a chisel to take any varnish or paint from the grooves in which the moldings fit.
Be sure to wear heavy gloves when working with glass prior installing windows. Then, scrape off any remaining window glass using a utility knife. Then take measurements of the opening to the new windowpane. With a wooden frame subtract 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 that the replacement glass fits comfortably.
In the course of repairing a double-glazed window, it is also possible that seals between the glass panes will be damaged. This could lead to condensation or the formation of mist in the gap. A technician can solve this issue by drilling tiny holes into the frame to remove any moisture. The technician can then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and seal it up again.
While you can fix double-glazed windows yourself, it is normally recommended to hire professionals handle the task. 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 for sealing air between the two glass panes in your double glazing, and prevents drafts, noise and moisture. Over time, the window seal can shrink or become brittle. This is because of natural expansion and contraction when the window experiences different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are a sign that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window is failing. This will allow humidity from the outside air to get in and condense between the glass panes resulting in a an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to wipe clean.
There are several ways to solve this issue without having to remove the double-glazing. One method to solve this problem is to 'defog the window'. This can be done by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and injecting an cleaning agent. This is a temporary solution, as the solution only removes the fog, and not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It also won't replace any energy efficiency that has been lost due to deteriorating seals.
Another option is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean windows, free of fog, and restore any lost energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than repairing the IGU but it's a longer-lasting solution.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door may be rotting. This may need replacement. This is a major repair job and can be very costly however, replacing the rotten frames will give you a new start and stop further moisture from entering your home. If you decide to replace your window, it is best to have a professional come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They will be able to provide you with a quote and provide you with advice about your options. They will then assist you to choose a new double glazing that is suitable for. They will use high-quality materials and make sure that your windows are put in place properly to last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with an icy surface. Water vapour in air condenses and forms liquid droplets. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to clean away, moisture that forms in between the glass panes could be more troublesome and may cause the growth of mould or damage to the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between the windows in your home can be the result of a variety of problems, including temperature variations, high humidity levels and broken seals. This issue is more common in older windows than modern windows that have improved sealing technology.
The formation of condensation between the window panes is not something you should ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this issue can be fixed without the need to replace the entire window unit. In many cases, this issue is caused by leaks in the vacuum or gas seal which is found in the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional can inspect your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will aid in restoring the windows' ability to insulate cold and heat which will result in lower energy costs.
To fix this issue, a specialist can drill holes in the inner and outer window to expel the water that has accumulated inside. This can take anywhere from one to three days for the moisture to completely clear out of the window. When the window is dry it can be sealed with vents that allow air and moisture to escape naturally.
The best way to avoid this problem entirely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed and maintained regularly to stop the seals from breaking down. This can be done by hiring a professional to perform regular maintenance for your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are detected early and can be fixed before they become more serious, helping to extend the life of your double-glazed windows, and reducing the necessity for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double-glazing can develop problems that require repair. These repairs will require the expertise of an expert. The majority of these types of repairs will be much cheaper than replacing the windows. They will also be more energy efficient.
One of the most frequently encountered problems is when water enters into the frame of a double glazed unit and causes condensation. This happens when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating gap free of water deteriorates and tiny holes begin to appear. It can happen due to various reasons. Most commonly, the seals are worn out or a small amount moisture is trapped between the panes.
If you spot any issue the first thing you need to do is contact the business from which you bought your double glazing. The company will investigate the issue and in the event that the warranty is valid, will arrange for the unit to be replaced.
It is crucial to remember that this process may take a while, based on how busy the business is. Therefore, it is recommended to research and find out as much information about the company and the installers as you can before you sign a contract with them. This will help you avoid issues later on and ensure that repairs are completed correctly.
A specialist can replace 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, which can cost thousands of pounds. This is more sustainable for the environment and you will save money on energy costs.
In some cases the window frame might require a complete replacement. This could be due to damage or if windows have become old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is not able to be repaired, it's recommended to replace it with a window with a similar design. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home as well as prevent any problems with condensation or leaks.