Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to display signs that they require repair. This could include a draft coming through the window, misting, condensation between windows and broken glass.
You can solve these problems without having to replace your entire window unit and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A stray piece of grass, 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. Unlike single-pane windows, double glazing features an airtight seal that holds insulated gas between two glass panes. If a broken glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you will have to replace it.
A new window pane can be installed in a couple of easy steps. First the old glass as well as the wood surrounding it must be removed from the frame. Next, the new pane is inserted into the frame's opening and then pressed into position with silicone caulk.
The frame's gap is then filled with window putty, which can be spread using a putty blade and smoothed using a second putty knife. Window putty can also be used as an adhesive, which helps to hold the new window to the frame. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you might require a chisel to take any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings fit.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass prior to installing a new window. Utilizing a utility blade scrape away any window glass that remains and take measurements of the opening of the new windowpane. With a wooden frame reduce 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. Metal frames should be treated in the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits snugly.
During a double-glazed window repair it is also possible that seals between the glass panes will be damaged. This could cause condensation or mist forming in the gap. This issue can be fixed by a technician who drills small holes in the frame. He or she can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it and reseal.
While you can fix double-glazed windows yourself, it is normally better to let professionals handle the job. To avoid injury, it's best to leave the job to a professional.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also known as the gasket for windows) is responsible for sealing air between the two glass panes in your double glazing and preventing drafts, moisture and noise. Over time, the window seal can shrink or perish. This is due to natural expansion and contraction when the window is exposed to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of the window is failing. This will allow moisture from outside to enter and condense in between the glass panes, resulting in the appearance of a wet, frosted look that is hard to clean.
There are a variety of options to fix this issue without having to remove the double glazing. One method to solve this issue is to "defog the window' in place. This can be done by drilling tiny holes between the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. This is only a temporary fix because the solution will only eliminate the fog, not replace the inert gases that are between the glass panes. It won't also bring back any energy efficiency that's been lost due to the deterioration of seals.
You can also replace your insulated glazing unit (IGU). This will result in clean, fresh and clear windows, in addition to returning any energy efficiency lost. This is more expensive than fixing the IGU but it's a longer-lasting solution.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door could be rotting. This could need replacement. This is a major repair job and could be costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a new start and will stop any further moisture from entering your home. If you decide to replace the window, it's best to have a professional come out and assess 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 select a new double-glazed that is suitable for. They will use quality materials and will ensure that your windows are put in place correctly so they will last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air is in contact with a cold surface. Water vapour in air condenses, forming droplets of liquid. Condensation that forms on a double-glazed glass window can be easily cleaned away. However, double glazing repair near me that accumulates between the panes could cause mold to grow or even damage the glass.
The condensation that forms between the windows of your home could be caused by a variety of issues, such as temperature fluctuations, high humidity levels and damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than newer ones that have better sealing technology.
It is important to remember that while the formation of condensation on the glass of your window shouldn't be ignored, this can be easily addressed without the need to replace the entire unit. This issue is often caused by a leak within the frames that are either on the inside or outside of the window.
A professional can look over your window to determine if the seals require repairs or replaced. If the seals need to be replaced it will improve your windows' capacity to for insulation from cold or heat, resulting lower energy costs.
A professional can use a drill to make holes in both the inner and outer windows to remove the moisture that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from one to three days for the moisture to completely disappear out of the window. When the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow moisture and air to go away naturally.
It is recommended to ensure that your windows are maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. You can achieve this by hiring a professional to conduct regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will help to detect any issues early and correct them before they get any worse, extending the lifespan of double-glazed windows.
Frames damaged
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing might develop problems which require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of repairs will be less expensive than replacing window units. They will also be much more energy efficient.
Condensation is caused when water enters the frame of double-glazed units. This happens because the seal that keeps the insulating gap free of water breaks down and tiny holes start to form. This could be because from a variety reasons most often the seals are worn down or some moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
If you find an issue, the first thing you need to do is contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing. They will investigate the issue and, if the problem is covered under warranty, they will arrange to replace the unit for you.
It is important to keep in mind that this process can take some time, depending on how busy the business is. It is crucial to learn everything you can about the company as well as the installers and services before signing the contract. This will help you avoid any problems later and also ensure that your repairs are carried out properly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and cracked to stop moisture and condensation forming between the panes of glass. This can be a lot cheaper than purchasing and installing new double-glazing windows that could cost thousands of dollars. It is also healthier for the environment and can help you reduce your energy bills.
In some instances, the frame of a window might require replacement completely. This could be due to damage, or if windows have become old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it is recommended to replace it with a comparable model. This will improve the efficiency of your house and avoid future issues with leaks and condensation.