Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows may begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. Some of these signs are drafts entering the window, or misting and condensation on the windows.
These issues can be resolved without having to replace all window units. It can also save you 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. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. Therefore, if a cracked pane leaves your home with a gap in the frame, it is essential to replace it.
In a few easy steps, you can put in a new window pane. The old glass and wood surrounding it should be removed. The new pane must be inserted into the frame opening and then pressed into place using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to fill the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using the help of a blade for putty, and then smoothed by a different one. Window putty is also used as an adhesive, which can help to hold the new window into place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you may require a chisel in order to remove any excess paint and varnish from the grooves in which the moldings are.
Before installing a new window make sure you have a pair of gloves that are thick to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Utilizing a utility blade scrape away any window glass that remains and determine the opening of the new window. For a wooden frame, subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to allow for 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.
When repairing a double-glazed window it is also possible that the seals between the glass panes could fail. This can lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. This problem can be resolved by a technician drilling tiny holes into the frame. He or she will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and seal it again.
While you can fix double-glazed windows by yourself, it's normally better to let a professional take care of the task. To avoid injury, it's best to delegate the task to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal is responsible for securing the air between two panes in double glazing. It also stops drafts as well as sound and moisture. Over time the window seal will shrink or even disappear. This is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows can be an indication of a failed airtight seal. This allows water from outside to enter and condense in between the glass panes, giving an appearance of frosted, wet that is hard to clean.
There is a way to fix the problem without removing 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 a short-term fix as the solution will only eliminate the fog, but it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and does not restore the energy efficiency that could have been lost due to the deterioration of seals.
Another alternative is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you new, clean and fog-free windows, while also restoring any lost energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than fixing the IGU but it's a more permanent one.
There is also the chance that the frame of your window or door may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a major repair and could be costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a new start and prevent further moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's recommended to hire a professional come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They'll offer you a price and offer advice on your options. They can help you choose a new double-glazing that will fit perfectly. They will put in your windows correctly and use quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. The water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. Condensation that occurs on windows with double-glazed glass can be easily cleaned away. However, moisture that is trapped between the panes could cause mold to grow or even harm the glass.
The condensation that forms between the windows of your home could be caused by a variety of problems, including temperature variations, high humidity levels and broken seals. Older windows are more vulnerable to this issue than ones that have improved sealing technology.
It is important to remember that although the development of condensation on the glass of your window shouldn't be ignored, this is easily fixed without the need to replace the entire unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak in the outer or inner frames of the window.
A trained professional can examine your windows to determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will improve your windows' capacity to insulate cold and heat which will result in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in both the inner and outward windows to eliminate the moisture that has built up within. This can take anywhere from one to three days for the moisture to completely evaporate out of the window. Once the window is dry it can be sealed with vents which allow moisture and air to be able to escape naturally.
double glazing window repairs is important to ensure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to prevent this issue. This can be done by hiring a professional perform regular maintenance services for your double glazing. This will help to detect any issues early and address them before they become worse, which will prolong the life of double-glazed windows.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes the frames of double glazing can develop problems which need repairing. These repairs will require the expertise of an expert. The majority of these types of repairs will be much cheaper 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 creates condensation. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space clear of water cracks and tiny holes appear. This could be the result of a variety of causes typically the seals being worn down or some water getting trapped between the panes.
If you spot an issue the first thing you should do is contact the company from which you bought your double glazing. They will then examine the issue and, if the problem is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to have the unit replaced for you.
It is crucial to remember that this process can take a while, based on how busy the business is. Therefore, it is a good idea to try to find as many details about the company and the installers you can before signing a contract with them. This will help you to avoid any problems later and also ensure that repairs are done correctly.
A professional can replace gaskets that have shrunk or cracked to stop condensation and moisture from forming between the glass panes. This can be a lot cheaper than purchasing and installing new double-glazing windows which could cost thousands of dollars. This is better for the environment, and you'll save money on energy costs.
In some instances, the window frame may require replacement completely. This could be due to damage, or because the windows are old and not energy efficient anymore. If the window cannot be repaired, it is best that it be replaced with a window with a similar style and design. This will improve the efficiency of your house and avoid future issues with condensation and leaks.