Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to show signs that they need repair. Some of these indicators include drafts entering the window, or misting, and condensation on the windows.
These problems can often be solved without having to replace all window units. It can also save you the cost of your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your children or a stray piece of sand from your lawnmowers or an accident at work can cause a crack to develop in your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a damaged glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you'll need to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can set up an entirely new window pane. First, the old glass and the surrounding wood should be removed from the frame. The new glass should be positioned in the frame opening, and pressed in place using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty which can be spread using a putty knife, and then smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in the frame. 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 fit.
Before installing a new window, make sure you have a pair or gloves that are heavy to avoid cuts when working with glass. Utilizing a utility knife, scrape off the remaining window glass and determine the opening of the new windowpane. If you have a wooden frame, subtract 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same process should be followed with metal frames to ensure a tight fit of the replacement glass.
It is possible that the seals between the glass panes can also become faulty during the repair of double-glazed. This could result in condensation or the formation of mist in the gap. A technician can resolve this issue by drilling small holes in the frame to expel any moisture. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and seal it.
It is preferential to delegate the task of fixing double-glazed windows to a professional. To avoid injury, it's recommended to leave the work to a professional.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the window gasket) is responsible to seal air between the two glass panes in your double glazing, and keeping out drafts, noise and moisture. However, over time, the window seal could deteriorate or shrink. This is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it moves through different temperature and weather conditions all through the year.
Foggy windows are a sign that the air-tight seal between the two panes of the window is failing. This can allow moisture from outside to enter and condense inside the glass panes, creating a frosted, wet appearance that is hard to clean.
It is possible to fix the issue without having to remove double-glazing. One option is to 'defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleaning solution between the glass panes. But, this is only a temporary fix since the solution only eliminates the fog, but it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and restore energy efficiency that may be lost due to the deterioration of seals.
Another option is to replace your glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean and fog-free windows, in addition to recovering any energy efficiency that was lost. This will cost more than simply fixing the IGU, but it is a more permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door may be rotting. This will require replacement. This is a major repair job and can be very costly however, replacing the rotten frames will give you a new start and stop further moisture from entering your home. It is best to get an expert to evaluate the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They will be able to offer you a price and offer advice on your options. They can assist you in choosing the best double-glazing system that will fit perfectly. They will use high-quality materials and ensure that your windows are installed correctly so they will last for many years to be.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is an natural phenomenon that occurs when warm air comes in contact with an cool surface. 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 wipe away but the condensation that occurs between glass panes can be more problematic, and may result in the development of mould or damage to the glass itself.
The condensation that forms between the windows in your home could be the result of a variety of issues, including temperature variations as well as high humidity levels and broken seals. Older windows are more susceptible to this issue than ones with 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 easily be fixed without the need to replace the entire unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak within the outer or inner frames of the window.
A professional can inspect your window and determine if seals require repair or replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will help to restore your windows' capacity to insulate heat and cold, resulting in lower energy bills.
To address this issue, a specialist can drill holes in the windows' outer and inner to expel the moisture that has built up inside. It can take anything from only a few minutes up to several days to remove all the moisture. Once this is accomplished, the window can be re-sealed and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
It is recommended to make sure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to prevent this problem. Crawley double glazing can be achieved by hiring a professional to carry out regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will help to detect any issues early and address them before they become more severe, thus prolonging the lifespan of double-glazed windows.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing may develop issues which require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of an expert. The majority of these are less expensive than replacing the windows. They will also be 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 happens because the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating gap free of water breaks down and minute holes appear. This could be because of a variety of reasons, most commonly the seals are 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 look into 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 within the company. It is essential to know everything you can about the company, the installers and their services prior to signing an agreement. This will allow you to avoid issues later on and ensure that your repairs are done properly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and shattered to stop condensation and moisture from creating between the panes glass. This is a less expensive alternative to installing double-glazed windows which can cost thousands of pounds. This is more sustainable for the environment and you'll save money on energy costs.
In some instances, the frame of a window may require replacement completely. This could be due to damage, or because windows have become old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it is recommended to replace it with the same model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and avoid future issues with leaks and condensation.