As time passes, your double glazed windows will start to show signs that they need repair. This could include a draft entering the window, misting or condensation between windows or even broken glass.
You can solve these problems without replacing your entire window unit, and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A ball thrown by your children or a stray piece of sand from your lawnmower or an accident at work could cause a crack to develop in your double-glazed windows. Unlike single-pane windows, double glazing is airtight that holds insulated gas between two glass panes. If a damaged glass pane leaves a gap in your frame, you will have to replace it.
In a few easy steps, you can install the new window pane. The old glass and the wood surrounding it should be removed. The new pane must be inserted inside the frame opening and then 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 used as an adhesive, which helps to hold the new window in place. If your double glaze window repair-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you may require a chisel in order to remove any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings will fit.
Before installing a new window, ensure you are wearing a pair of heavy gloves to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Utilizing a utility knife, scrape off any window glass that remains and take measurements of the opening of the new window. If you have a wooden frame you should subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to take into account the expansion and contraction of wood. The same procedure is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a snug fit of the glass replacement.
During a double-glazed window repair it is also possible that the seals between the glass panes will become faulty. This can lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can fix this issue by drilling small holes in the frame to remove any moisture. He or she will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and seal it again.
Although you can repair double-glazed windows yourself, it is normally better to let an expert handle the task. Special tools are needed to remove and replace the new glass, and the job should only be performed by a qualified expert to avoid potential injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also known as the window gasket) is responsible to seal air between the two panes of glass in double glazing repair glazing and keeping out drafts, moisture and noise. As time passes, the window seal can shrink or become brittle. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window when it goes through various temperature 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 the window is failing. This can allow humidity from the outside air to penetrate and form a condensing layer between the glass panes creating a wet, frosted appearance that is difficult to wipe clean.
There are a variety of options to fix this problem without removing your double-glazing. One option is to ‘defog’ the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleaning solution between the glass panes. However, this is an immediate fix since the solution only eliminates the fog, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and restore energy efficiency that may have been lost due degrading seals.
Another alternative is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will result in new, clean and clear windows, as well as restoring any lost energy efficiency. This option is more expensive than fixing the IGU but it’s a more permanent one.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door may be rotting. This may need replacement. This is a very expensive repair however, it will give you a new beginning and will stop moisture from entering your home. If you decide to replace the window, it’s recommended to hire an expert come out and evaluate the damage prior to making any repairs. They can give you a quote and advise you on the best options. They can then help you pick a new double glazing that is perfect for your. They will install your windows correctly and use top quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with the cold surface. The water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. While condensation that occurs on the surface of a double-glazed windows is easy to remove but the condensation that occurs between panes of glass can be more troublesome and can lead to the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between your windows can be caused by a variety of factors such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, and broken seals. Older windows are more susceptible to this issue than ones with improved sealing technology.
The formation of condensation between the window’s panes is not something you should ignore, it is important to remember that this can be repaired without having to replace the entire window unit. This issue is often caused by a leak around the outer or inner frames of the window.
A professional can look over your window and determine if the seals need to be repaired or replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will help to restore 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 remove the water that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from one to three days for the moisture to completely evaporate out of the window. After the window has dried it can be sealed with vents which 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 degrading. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional who will conduct regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are identified early and rectified before they become more serious, assisting to extend the life of your double-glazed windows as well as lessening the need for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes the frames of double glazing can develop issues that require fixing. These will need the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs are cheaper than replacing window units. 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 creates condensation. This happens because the seal that keeps the insulating gap free of water breaks down and tiny holes begin to appear. This can be a result from a variety reasons, most commonly the seals are worn down or the slightest amount of moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
The first step should you encounter this issue is to contact the firm you bought your double glazed windows repair glazing from. They will then investigate the issue and, if it is covered under warranty, they will arrange to replace the unit for you.
It is important to remember that this process may take a while, based on how busy the business is. It is crucial to find out as much as you can about the business, the installers and their services prior to signing an agreement. This will allow you to avoid any problems later and also ensure that your repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and cracked to stop condensation and moisture from developing between the panes of glass. This can be much cheaper than purchasing and installing new double glazing windows, which could cost thousands of dollars. It is also better for the environment and will help you to reduce your energy bills.
In some cases the frame of the window may need to be completely replaced. This could be due to damage, or because windows have become old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is best to replace it with a similar model. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home and avoid any problems with condensation or leaks.