Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows may begin to appear to be in need of repair. These might include a draught coming through the window, misting or condensation between the windows or even broken glass.
These issues can be solved without having to replace your entire window unit, and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray pebble from your lawnmower or a mishap at the office could cause a crack to form in the double-glazed windows you have. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. Therefore, if a broken pane of glass leaves your home with a space in the frame, it is necessary to replace it.
A new window can be installed in a few simple steps. First the old glass as well as the wood around it should be removed from the frame. Then, the new glass is inserted into the frame's opening and then pressed into position by using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to fill the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using a putty knife, and then smoothed using a second one. Window putty also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows have been painted, you'll require the chisel to remove the excess varnish or paint.
Before installing a new window ensure you are wearing a pair of heavy gloves to prevent cuts when working with glass. Utilizing a utility blade, scrape off any remaining window glazing and determine the opening of the new window. With a wood 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 tight fit of the replacement glass.
It is possible that seals in between the glass panes could be damaged during the repair of double-glazed. This could result in condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can resolve this issue by drilling small holes into the frame to remove any moisture. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and seal it again.
It is preferential to delegate the task of fixing double-glazed windows to professionals. Special tools are required to remove and replace the new glass, and the job should only be done by a trained professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket on the window) is responsible for sealing air between the two panes of glass in your double glazing and preventing drafts, noise and moisture. But over time, this window seal may lose its effectiveness or shrink. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through different weather conditions and temperatures all through the year.
Foggy windows are a sign that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window is failing. double glazing window repairs will allow humidity from the outside air to enter and build up between the glass panes resulting in a an appearance of frosted, wet that is difficult to clean.
There is a way to fix the problem without removing double-glazing. One method to solve this problem is to 'defog the window'. This can be accomplished by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and injecting a cleansing agent. This is however an immediate fix since the solution will only eliminate the fog, but it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and restore the energy efficiency that could be lost due to the deterioration of seals.
You can also replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, fresh windows that are free of fog and will restore any energy efficiency. This will cost more than just fixing the IGU, but it is the most permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door could be decaying. This will require replacement. This is a major repair job and can be very expensive, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a new start and stop the entry of more moisture into your home. It is recommended to hire a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you make any repairs. They'll provide you with a quote and offer advice on the options available. They can help you choose the right double-glazing option that will fit perfectly. They will use quality materials and ensure that your windows are set up correctly to ensure they last for many years to come.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation is a natural phenomenon that happens when warm air comes in contact with a cool surface. Water vapour in air condenses and forms droplets of liquid. Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is easily removed. However, the moisture that is trapped between the panes can cause mould to grow or even harm the glass.
The moisture that builds up between your windows could be caused by many things like fluctuating temperatures as well as high humidity and damaged seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than in modern ones with better sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that while the formation of condensation on the glass of your window must not be ignored, this can be easily addressed without the need 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 can inspect your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will aid in restoring your windows' capacity to insulate cold and heat, resulting in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in the inside and outer windows to remove the moisture that has built up inside. It could take anywhere from only a few minutes up to several days to get rid of all the moisture. When the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow moisture and air to be able to escape naturally.
It is best to ensure that your windows are maintained and sealed to prevent this issue. This can be achieved by hiring a professional to carry out regular maintenance services for your double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are caught early and can be fixed 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 may develop problems which need repairing. These will need the expertise of an expert. The majority of repairs are cheaper than replacing window units. They will also be more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water enters the frame of double-glazed units. This happens when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating area free of water breaks and tiny holes appear. This could be the result from a variety reasons, most commonly the seals are worn down or the slightest amount of water getting trapped between the panes.
If you spot any issue, the first thing you should do is contact the company where you bought your double glazing. They will then investigate the problem and, if it is covered under warranty, they will arrange to replace the unit for you.
This process can take a long time, based on the amount of activity at the firm. It is therefore an excellent idea to research to find as much information about the company and the installers as you can before signing an agreement with them. This will help you avoid problems later and ensure that your repairs are completed correctly.
A professional can replace gasket seals that have shrunk and cracked to stop condensation and moisture creating between the panes glass. This can be much less expensive than buying and installing new double-glazing windows which can cost thousands of pounds. This is healthier for the environment and will save you money on energy costs.
In some cases, the frame of a window could need to be replaced completely. This could be because of damage, or because windows have become old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it's best to replace it with the same type of unit. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home as well as prevent any future issues with condensation and leaks.