Over time your double glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. These might include a draught coming through the window, misting or condensation on the windows, and broken glass.
These issues can be solved without the need to replace the entire window units and it could also help you save the cost of your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower’s pebble, a baseball that your children throw at you or even an accident at work can cause a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. As opposed to single-pane windows glazing is airtight that protects the gas from being insulated between two glass panes. If a broken glass pane leaves a gap in your frame, you’ll have to replace it.
A new window can be installed in a couple of easy steps. The old glass as well as the wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane must be positioned inside the frame opening and pressed in place using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty which is spread using a putty knife, and then smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty is also used as an adhesive, which helps to hold the new pane to the frame. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows have been painted, you will require a chisel in order to scrape off the paint or varnish.
Before installing a new window ensure that you have a pair of heavy gloves to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Next, scrape away any remaining window glazing using a utility knife. Then take measurements of the opening to the new windowpane. If you have a wooden frame, remove 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. 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 glass panes could also become faulty during repairs that are double-glazed. This can lead to condensation or mist in the gap. A technician can fix this issue by drilling small holes into the frame to expel any moisture. He or she may then pipe in hot air to dry the gap and seal it again.
Although you can repair double-glazed windows yourself, it is usually better to let an expert handle the task. To avoid injury, it’s recommended to leave the work to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal is responsible to seal the air between two panes of double glazing. It also helps prevent drafts, sound and moisture. But with time, this window seal can perish or shrink. This is due to natural expansion and contraction as 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 is failing. This can allow humidity from outside air to enter and build up between the glass panes resulting in a a wet, frosted appearance that is difficult to wipe clean.
You can fix the problem without having to remove double-glazing. One way to fix this problem is to ‘defog the window’ in place. This can be done by drilling tiny holes between the glass panes and injecting a cleansing agent. 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 replace any energy efficiency that’s been lost because of deteriorated seals.
Another option is to replace your IGU, or insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, fresh windows that are free of fog and will restore any energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than repairing the IGU, but it’s a more permanent one.
There is also a chance that the wood frame of your window or door may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a costly repair however, it will give you a new start and prevent more moisture from entering the home. It is recommended to hire a professional to assess the damage to your window before you begin any repairs. They’ll be able to provide you with a quote and give you advice about your options. They will help you pick a new double glazing that is perfect for your. They will put in your windows properly and make use of top quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air is in contact with the cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed window is easy to remove, moisture that forms in between panes of glass can be more difficult to remove, and could lead to the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
The condensation that forms between the windows in your home can be the result of a variety of issues, such as temperature fluctuations as well as high humidity levels and damaged seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than modern windows that have improved sealing technology.
It is important to note that while the formation of condensation on the glass of your window should not be overlooked, it can easily be fixed without having to replace the entire unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak in the frames that are either on the inside or outside of the window.
A trained professional will inspect your windows and determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals require to be replaced they will improve your windows’ capacity to for insulation from cold or heat which will result in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to create holes in the inside and outside windows to get rid of the moisture that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from one to three days for the moisture to completely evaporate out of the window. Once this is accomplished the window can then be re-sealed and fitted with vents to let the windows naturally expel air and moisture.
The best method to avoid this issue completely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed, and regularly maintained to stop the seals from deteriorating. This can be achieved by hiring a professional to conduct regular maintenance on your double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are caught early and can be fixed before they become more serious, helping to prolong the life of your double glazing windows repair-glazed windows as well as reducing the need for replacements.
Frames damaged
Sometimes the frames of double glazing may develop problems which need repairing. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of repairs to double glazing are cheaper than replacing window units. They will also be more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This happens when the seal made of rubber that keeps the gap between the insulating and insulating of water deteriorates and minute holes appear. This can be a result of a variety of reasons, most commonly the seals being worn down or the slightest amount of water getting trapped between the panes.
The first step should you encounter this issue is to contact the company you purchased your double glazing from. The company will investigate the problem and, if the warranty is valid, will arrange for the replacement of the unit.
It is crucial to remember that this process could take a long time, depending on how busy the company is. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to research and gather as many details about the company and the installers as possible before signing an agreement with them. This will allow you to avoid problems later and make sure that repairs to double glazing windows are done correctly.
A professional can replace gasket seals that have shrunk and broken to stop moisture and condensation forming between the panes of glass. This can be much cheaper than purchasing and installing new double-glazing windows, which could cost thousands of dollars. This is more sustainable for the environment and will save you money on energy costs.
In some instances, the window frame may need to be completely replaced. This could be because of damage or if windows have become old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair double glazing, it is best to replace it with the same model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and prevent any future issues with condensation and leaks.