Double Glazed Windows Repairs
As time passes, your double glazed windows will begin to exhibit signs that they require repair. Some of these indicators include a draft coming through the window, or misting and condensation on the windows.
These issues can be resolved without having to replace the entire window unit. It could also help you save the cost of your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your children or a stray pebble from your lawnmower or a mishap at work can cause cracks to form in the double-glazed windows you have. In contrast to single-pane windows glazing features an airtight seal that holds insulated gas between two glass panes. If a broken glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you will have to replace it.
A new window pane can be put in place in a few easy steps. First the old glass as well as the wood around it should be removed from the frame. 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 using a putty blade, then smoothed with a second one. Window putty is also an adhesive to keep the new pane in place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you might require a chisel to take any varnish or paint from the grooves in which the moldings will fit.
Make sure you wear thick gloves when working with glass prior to installing the new window. After that, using a utility blade, scrape off any window glass that remains and determine the opening of the new window. If you have a wooden frame you should subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to allow for the expansion and contraction of wood. The same process is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a snug fit of the replacement glass.
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 the formation of mist in the gap. A technician can fix this problem by drilling small holes in the frame to eliminate any moisture. The technician could then pipe in hot air to dry the gap and seal it again.
While you can fix double-glazed windows yourself, it is generally best to hire a professional take care of the task. To avoid injury, it is recommended to leave the work to professionals.
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 preventing drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes the window seal will shrink or perish. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction as the window experiences different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of the window is failing. This can allow humidity from outside to penetrate and form a condensing layer between the glass panes creating an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to clean.
There are a variety of ways you can fix this issue without having to remove the double glazing. One option is to "defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is however a short-term fix as the solution only removes 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 deteriorating seals.
Another alternative is to replace the glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will result in clean, fresh and clear windows, as well as returning any energy efficiency lost. This solution is more expensive than fixing the IGU, but it's a more permanent one.
It is possible that the frame of your door or window could be decaying. This will need replacement. This is a costly repair however it will give you a new start and stop more moisture from entering your home. It is recommended to hire a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They'll provide you with a quote and provide you with advice about your options. They can help you choose the right double-glazing option that will fit perfectly. They will 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. Water vapour in air condenses, forming liquid droplets. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed window can be easy to remove, moisture that forms in between glass panes can be more problematic, and could result in the development of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
double glazing repairs Reigate that builds up between your windows can be caused by many things such as temperature fluctuations, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more susceptible to this problem than ones with 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 be easily addressed without the need to replace the entire unit. In most cases, this issue is caused by an issue with 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 repair 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 address this issue, a professional can drill holes in the inner and outer window to remove the moisture that has built up inside. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to eliminate all moisture. Once the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents which allow moisture and air to go away naturally.
The best method to avoid this issue completely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed and regularly maintained to prevent seals from breaking down. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional who will conduct regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will help to detect any issues early and correct them before they get worse, which will prolong the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double glazing can be damaged and require repair. This will require the expertise of an expert. The majority of repairs will be cheaper than replacing windows. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water enters the frame of double-glazed units. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating area free of water cracks and tiny holes begin to appear. It can happen due to various reasons. Most commonly the seals wear out or a small amount moisture is trapped between the panes.
If you spot a problem, the first thing to do is contact the company where you purchased your double glazing. They will then investigate the issue and, if it is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to have the unit replaced for you.
This process can take some time, depending on the activity level at the company. It is essential to know all you can about the business, the installers and their services before signing the contract. This will allow you to avoid any problems later and also ensure that repairs are completed correctly.
A specialist can repair gasket seals that have shrunk and broken to stop condensation and moisture from creating between the panes glass. This is a cheaper alternative to installing double glazing windows, which could cost thousands of dollars. This is healthier for the environment, and you'll save money on energy bills.
In some cases, the frame of a window may require replacement completely. This could be because of damage, or if the windows have become outdated and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is not able to be repaired, it is recommended to replace it with a replacement with a similar style and design. This will improve the efficiency of your house and avoid future issues with condensation and leaks.