Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double glazed windows will start to show signs that they need repair. Some of these signs include a draft coming through the window, or misting, and condensation on windows.
These issues can usually be solved without the need to replace the entire window units and it could also save you money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your children or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or a mishap at the office can cause cracks to form in the double-glazed windows you have. Unlike single-pane windows, double glazing has an airtight seal that protects the gas from being insulated between two glass panes. If a damaged glass pane creates a gap within your frame, you'll need to replace it.
A new window can be put in place in a few simple steps. The old glass and wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane is inserted into the opening of the frame and then pressed into position with 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 also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on the double-glazed windows are painted, you will require an axe to get rid of the paint or varnish.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass before installing the new window. After that, using a utility blade, scrape off any window glass that remains and measure the opening of the new window. If you have a wooden frame subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement in order to take into account the expansion and contraction of wood. 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 could become faulty. This can lead to condensation or a mist that forms in the gap. double glazing repairs near me can solve this issue by drilling small holes in the frame to remove any moisture. He or she can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it and seal it.
Although you can repair double-glazed windows on your own, it is usually better to let professionals handle the task. Special tools are required to take out and install the new glass, and the task should be handled by a certified professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the window gasket) is responsible for sealing air between the two panes of glass in double glazing and preventing drafts, moisture and noise. As time passes the window seal will shrink or even disappear. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through various temperature and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This allows humidity from outside air to enter and build up between the glass panes creating an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to wipe clean.
It is possible to fix the issue without removing double-glazing. One way to fix this problem is to 'defog the window' in place. This can be accomplished by drilling tiny holes in the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. However, this is only a temporary fix since the solution only eliminates the fog, it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and does not restore the energy efficiency that could have been lost due degrading seals.
You can also replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you new, clean and fog-free windows, in addition to returning any energy efficiency lost. This option is more expensive than fixing the IGU, but it's a more permanent one.
There is also the chance that the wood frame of your window or door may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair however, it will give you a fresh beginning and will stop moisture from entering the home. It is best to hire an expert to evaluate the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They will provide you with an estimate and guide you on the best options. They will then assist you to choose a new double glazing that will fit perfectly. They will then install your windows in a proper manner and use quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with the cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to remove, moisture that forms in between panes of glass can be more problematic, and can lead to the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
Moisture that develops between the windows in your home could be the result of a variety of issues, such as temperature fluctuations or high humidity levels, as well as damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than newer ones that have better sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that although the forming of condensation on the glass of your window should not be ignored, this can be easily addressed without the need to replace the entire unit. In many instances this issue, 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 examine your window and determine if the seals require repair or replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will help to restore your windows' capacity to insulate heat and cold which will result in lower energy bills.
To fix this issue, a professional can drill holes into the window's outer and inner parts to remove the moisture that has built up inside. It can take anything from just a few minutes to several days to remove all moisture. Once the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow moisture and air to escape naturally.
The best way to avoid this problem completely is to ensure that your windows are sealed, and regularly maintained to prevent the seals from degrading. This can be achieved by hiring a professional carry out regular maintenance services for your double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are detected early and fixed before they get more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows, and lessening the necessity for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double-glazing can develop problems that need to be repaired. These repairs will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs are cheaper than replacing the windows. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when moisture gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This occurs when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating area free of water breaks, and tiny holes begin to appear. This could be because of a variety of causes most often the seals being worn down or some water getting trapped between the panes.
The first step when you spot this issue is to contact the company from which you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will investigate the problem and in the event that the warranty is valid, will arrange for the replacement of the unit.
The process could take a while, depending on the level of activity at the firm. Therefore, it's recommended to research to find as as much information about the business and the installers as you can before signing a contract with them. This will help you avoid problems later and make sure that repairs are done correctly.
A specialist can replace the gaskets that have shrunk, or broken, to stop moisture and condensation from forming between the glass panes. This is a much cheaper alternative to installing double glazing windows which can cost up to thousands of dollars. It's also more sustainable and can help you reduce your energy costs.
In some cases the window frame might require a complete replacement. It could be due to damage or because the windows are outdated and not energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it's best to replace it with the same model. This will improve the efficiency of your home and will prevent any future issues with condensation and leaks.