Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows will begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. Some of these indicators include drafts coming through the window or misting and condensation on the windows.
These issues can be solved without replacing your entire window unit and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A stray piece of grass or a baseball toss by your children or even an accident at work can result in a cracking in the glass of your double-glazed window. As opposed to single-pane windows glazing has an airtight seal that holds insulated gas between two glass panes. If a glass pane that has been broken creates a gap within your frame, you'll need to replace it.
In a couple of easy steps, you can put in the new window pane. First the old glass as well as the wood surrounding it must be removed from the frame. The new pane is inserted into the opening of the frame and then pressed into position with silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to close the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using the help of a blade for putty, and then smoothed using a second one. Window putty is also used as an adhesive, which helps to hold the new window into place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows are painted, you'll need to use a chisel in order to get rid of the paint or
commercial varnish.
Before installing a new window, ensure you are wearing a pair of gloves that are thick to prevent cuts when working with glass. Then, scrape off any window glass that remains with a utility knife and take measurements of the opening to the new window. For wooden frames subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to account for the expansion and contraction of wood. The same procedure is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the replacement glass.
It is possible that the seals between the glass panes may also become faulty during the repair of double-glazed. This can lead to condensation or a mist that forms in the gap. This issue can be solved by a technician who drills small holes in the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and reseal.
It is best to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows professionals. To avoid injury, it's best to delegate the task to an expert.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal is responsible for
commercial sealing the air between two panes of double glazing. It also helps prevent drafts, moisture and sound. However, over time, the window seal could deteriorate or shrink. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction when the window experiences various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
The windows that are stained with a haze indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window are failing. This can allow humidity from outside air to penetrate and form a condensing layer between the glass panes resulting in a an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to clean.
There is a way to fix the problem without removing double-glazing. One option is to "defog the window 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 also won't bring back the energy efficiency that has been lost due to deteriorating seals.
Another option is to replace your IGU, or insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you new, clean windows, free of fog, and restore any loss in energy efficiency. This will cost more than simply fixing the IGU, but it is a more permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your door or window may be rotting. This will need replacement. This is a major repair job and can be very expensive however, replacing the rotten frames will give you a fresh start and stop further moisture from entering your home. It is best to get a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They'll give you a price and provide you with advice about your options. They will help you pick a new double glazing that is perfect for your. They will use high-quality materials and ensure that your windows are put in place correctly to ensure they last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is a natural phenomenon that occurs when warm air comes into 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 windows is easy to clean away, moisture that forms in between panes of glass can be more difficult to remove, and could cause the growth of mould or damage the glass itself.
The condensation of moisture between your windows can be caused by many things, including temperature fluctuations as well as high humidity and damaged seals. Older windows are more vulnerable to this issue than ones that have improved sealing technology.
The formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something to ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this can be repaired without having to replace the entire window unit. In many instances this problem, it is caused by an issue with the gas seal, or vacuum, that is located in the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A professional can look over your
window replacement and determine if seals need to be repaired or replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will help to restore your windows' ability to insulate cold and heat and result in lower energy bills.
To resolve this issue, a specialist can drill holes into the window's outer and inner parts to eliminate the water that has accumulated inside. It can take from a few hours to several days for the moisture to completely evaporate out of the window. After this is completed, the window can be sealed and fitted with vents to let the windows naturally expel air and moisture.
It is best to ensure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. This can be achieved by hiring a professional to perform a regular maintenance for your
double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are identified early and rectified before they get more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows, and reducing the need for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing can develop problems that require repair. This will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs will be much less expensive than replacing window units. They are also more energy efficient.
One of the most frequently encountered problems is when water gets into the frame of a double-glazed unit and causes condensation. This happens when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating area free of water breaks and tiny holes begin to appear. This can be a result of a variety of causes, most commonly the seals are worn down or some moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
The first thing to do if you notice this problem is to contact the firm you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will look into the issue and, if the warranty is valid, will arrange for the unit to be replaced.
This process can take a while, depending on the amount of activity at the company. Therefore, it is a good idea to try and gather as as much information about the business and the installers as possible before signing an agreement with them. This will help you avoid issues later on and make sure that repairs are completed correctly.