Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows will begin to show signs of needing repair. It could be a draught coming through the window, misting, condensation between the windows or even broken glass.
These issues can be solved without having to replace all window units. It can also help you save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A ball thrown by your children or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or an accident at the office can cause cracks 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 glass pane that has been broken creates a gap in your frame, you'll need to replace it.
In a few easy steps, you can put in the new window pane. First the old glass and the surrounding wood should be removed from the frame. Next, the new pane is inserted into the frame's opening and then pressed in place using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to close 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 hold the new pane in place. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you might need a chisel to remove any varnish and paint from the grooves where the moldings fit.
Before installing a new window ensure you are wearing a pair of heavy gloves to avoid cuts when working with glass. After that, using a utility blade scrape away any window glass that remains and take measurements of the opening of the new window. If you have a wooden frame, subtract 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 tight fit of the replacement glass.
It is possible that seals in between the glass panes could be damaged during a double-glazed repair. This could lead to condensation or the formation of mist in the gap. This issue can be solved by a technician drilling small holes into the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and reseal.
Although you can repair double-glazed windows by yourself, it's generally better to let a professional take care of the task. To avoid injury, it's best to leave the job 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 prevents drafts, moisture and noise. As time passes the window seal will shrink or perish. This is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it moves through various weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year.
Foggy windows indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window are failing. This will allow moisture from the outside to penetrate and build up inside the glass panes, resulting in the appearance of a wet, frosted look which is difficult to clean.
double glazing repair near me is possible to fix the issue without having to remove double-glazing. One option is to 'defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. However, this is a short-term fix as the solution will only eliminate the fog, but it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and bring back the energy efficiency that might have been lost due to deteriorating seals.
You can also replace your insulated glare unit (IGU). This will give you clean, fresh, fog-free windows and restore any lost energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than fixing 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 major repair and could be costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's recommended to hire a professional come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They will give you an estimate and guide you on the best options. They will help you pick a new double glazing that is suitable for. They will then install your windows in a proper manner and use quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation is an natural phenomenon that happens when warm air comes into contact with an cool surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to wipe away, moisture that forms in between glass panes can be more troublesome and may cause the growth 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 or high humidity levels, as well as broken seals. This issue is more common in older windows than modern ones with better sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that although the development 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 many cases, this issue is caused by leaks in the gas seal, or vacuum, that is found around the inner and outer frames of your windows.
A trained professional can inspect your windows to determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals must be replaced they will improve your windows' capacity to insulate heat or cold, resulting lower energy costs.
A specialist can use a drill to make holes in the inside and outward windows to eliminate the moisture that has built up within. It can take from a few minutes to several days to remove all the moisture. After this is completed, the window can be re-sealed and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
It is best to ensure that your windows are maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. This can be done by hiring a professional carry out a regular maintenance service for your double glazing. This will allow you to spot any problems early and fix them before they become more severe, thus prolonging the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes, the frames of double glazing could be damaged and require repair. These repairs will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of these are less expensive than having to replace windows. They will also be more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when moisture enters the frame of double-glazed units. This happens when the rubber seal which keeps the insulating gap free of water breaks down and tiny holes begin to appear. This can be a result of a variety of causes typically the seals being worn down or some moisture accumulating between the panes.
The first step should you encounter this issue is to contact the firm you purchased your double glazing from. They will then examine the issue and, if the problem is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to replace the unit for you.
It is important to remember that this process may take a long time, depending on how busy the company is. It is essential to know everything you can about the business as well as the installers and their services prior to signing a contract. This will allow you to avoid any problems later on and to make sure that your repairs are done correctly.
A specialist can repair the gasket seals which have shrunk and shattered to stop condensation and moisture 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. It is also better for the environment and will allow you to reduce your energy bills.
In some cases the frame of a window may require replacement completely. It could be due to damage or because windows are worn out and no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it's best to replace it with a similar model. This will increase the efficiency of your home and avoid future issues with condensation and leaks.