Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will start 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 resolve these issues without replacing your entire window unit and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your children, a pebble from your lawnmowers or a mishap at the office could cause a crack to develop in the double-glazed windows you have. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a broken glass pane leaves a gap in your frame, you'll have to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can install a new window pane. First, the old glass and the wood around it should be removed from the frame. Next, the new pane is positioned in 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 with a putty blade, then smoothed using a second one. double glazing repair near me is also an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in the frame. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you might require a chisel in order to remove any varnish or paint from the grooves in which the moldings are.
Before installing a new window, ensure that you have a pair of heavy gloves to avoid cuts when working with glass. Utilizing a utility blade scrape away the remaining window glass and measure the opening of the new window. With a wooden frame remove 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same procedure should be followed with metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the replacement glass.
When repairing a double-glazed window it is also possible that seals between the glass panes will be damaged. This can lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can resolve this problem by drilling small holes in the frame to eliminate any moisture. He or she may then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and seal it again.
It is preferential to leave the job of fixing double-glazed windows to a professional. Special tools are needed to take out and install the new glass, so the task should be performed by a qualified professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket for windows) is responsible for sealing air between the two glass panes in double glazing and keeping out drafts, moisture and noise. However, over time, the window seal could deteriorate or shrink. This is due to natural expansion and contraction as the window experiences different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
The presence of fog in windows is an indication of a weak airtight seal. This will allow moisture from the outside to get in and condense within the glass panes, resulting in the appearance of a wet, frosted look which is difficult to clean.
There is a way to fix the problem without having to remove double-glazing. One option is to 'defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is only a temporary fix, as the solution will only eliminate the fog and not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It won't also bring back any energy efficiency that has been lost due to the deterioration of seals.
Another alternative is to replace the insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, clear windows that are free of fog and restore any lost energy efficiency. It will cost more than simply fixing the IGU, but it is a more permanent solution.
There is also a chance that the frame of your door or window may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair however, it will give you a new start and stop more moisture from entering your home. If you decide to replace your window, it is best to have a professional come out and evaluate the damage prior to making any repairs. They'll provide you with a quote and give you advice about your options. They can help you choose the best double-glazing system that is perfect for your. They will put in your windows properly and make use of quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with an icy surface. The air's water vapour condenses and forms droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed window can be easy to remove but the condensation that occurs between panes of glass can be more problematic, and may cause the growth of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between your windows can be caused by a variety of things like extreme temperatures, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more vulnerable to this issue than newer ones with better sealing technology.
It is important to remember that although the development of condensation on the glass of your window should not be ignored, this can easily be fixed without having to replace the entire unit. In many cases this problem, it is caused by leaks in the gas seal or vacuum that is located around the inner and outer frames of your windows.
A professional can look over your window and determine if the seals require repairs or replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will aid in restoring the windows' ability to insulate cold and heat and result in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to create holes in the inside and outer windows to remove the moisture that has built up inside. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to eliminate all the moisture. Once the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow air and moisture to escape naturally.
The best way to avoid this problem entirely is to ensure that your windows are sealed and maintained regularly to prevent seals from deteriorating. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional to perform regular maintenance services for your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are caught early and rectified before they get more serious, helping to extend the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and reducing the necessity for replacements.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double glazing could develop problems which need repairing. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of repairs are cheaper than replacing windows. They will also be much more energy efficient.
One of the most frequently encountered issues is when water seeps into the frame of a double-glazed unit and results in condensation. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space free of water cracks and tiny holes begin to appear. It can happen due to a number of reasons. Most commonly the seals wear out or a small amount moisture gets trapped between the panes.
If you spot an issue the first thing you need to do is contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing. The company will investigate the issue and should the warranty be valid, will arrange for the replacement of the unit.
The process could take a while, depending on the level of activity at the firm. It is therefore an excellent idea to research and find out as many details about the company and the installers as you can before signing a contract with them. This will help you avoid any problems later on and to make sure that repairs are done correctly.
A specialist can replace the gaskets that have shrunk, or broken, in order to prevent condensation and moisture from developing between the glass panes. This is a cheaper option than installing double glazing windows which can cost up to thousands of dollars. This is healthier for the environment and will save you money on energy bills.
In certain cases, the frame of the window may require a complete replacement. It could be due to damage or the windows are old and not energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it's best to replace it with a similar model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and will prevent any future issues caused by leaks and condensation.