Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. Some of these signs include drafts entering the window or misting and condensation on windows.
These problems can often be resolved without having to replace the entire window unit. It could also save you the cost of your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A stray piece of grass, a baseball thrown by your kids or even an accident at work could result in a cracking in the glass of your double-glazed window. Unlike single-pane windows, double glazing is airtight that holds insulated gas between two panes of glass. If a damaged glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you will need to replace it.
A new window can be installed in a few simple steps. 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 down using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to cover the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using a putty blade, then smoothed using a second one. Window putty also acts as an adhesive to hold the new pane in place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, then you might require a chisel to take any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings are.
Before installing a new window, make sure you have a pair or gloves that are heavy to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Then, scrape off any remaining window glazing using a knife. Finally, take measurements of the opening to the new windowpane. 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 the seals between the glass panes may also become faulty during repairs that are double-glazed. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. This problem can be resolved by a technician drilling tiny holes into the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and seal it again.
It is better to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows a professional. Special tools are needed to take out and install the new glass, so the task should be done by a trained expert to avoid any injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also known as the gasket for windows) is responsible to seal air between the two panes of glass in double glazing and prevents drafts, noise and moisture. But with time, this window seal may lose its effectiveness or shrink. This happens because of natural expansion and contraction when the window experiences various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This will allow humidity from outside to get in and condense between the glass panes resulting in a an unsightly, frosted look that is difficult to wipe clean.
There are several ways you can fix this issue without removing the double glazing. One method to solve this problem is to 'defog the window' in place. This can be done by drilling tiny holes into the glass panes and injecting an cleaning agent. But, this is an immediate fix since the solution only removes the fog, but it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and restore the energy efficiency that could be lost due to the deterioration of seals.
You can also replace your insulated glazing unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clear and clear windows, while also restoring any lost energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than fixing the IGU but it's a much more durable solution.
There is also the chance that the frame of your door or window may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a costly repair however, it will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from entering the home. If you decide to replace your window, it is recommended to hire an expert come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They will provide you with an estimate and guide you on the options available. They can then help you select a new double-glazed that is perfect for your. They will use quality materials and make sure that your windows are put in place correctly so they will last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed windows is easy to wipe away the moisture that forms between the glass panes could be more troublesome and can lead to the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
The moisture that forms between your windows could be caused by a variety of factors such as fluctuating temperatures as well as high humidity and damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than in newer ones that have better sealing technology.
It is crucial to understand that although the forming 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 around the outer or inner frames of the window.
A trained professional can examine your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals must be replaced, it will improve your windows' capacity to insulate heat or cold which will result in lower energy bills.
To resolve this issue, a specialist can drill holes into the inner and outer window to eliminate the water that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from just a few minutes to several days to remove all the moisture. After this is completed the window can be sealed again and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
It is best to make sure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to prevent this issue. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional to carry out regular maintenance services for your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are identified early and fixed before they become more serious, assisting to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and reduce the need for replacements.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing may develop issues that need to be repaired. These will need the expertise of an expert. double glazing repair St Albans of these types of repairs will be cheaper than replacing the window units. They are also more energy efficient.
One of the most common 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 area free of water breaks, and tiny holes appear. This can be a result from a variety reasons most often the seals are worn down or some moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
If you find an issue, the first thing you need to do is contact the company where you bought your double glazing. They will examine the problem and, if it is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to replace the unit for you.
The process could take a while, depending on the level of activity at the company. Therefore, it's an excellent idea to research and gather as much information about the company and the installers as possible before signing a contract with them. This will help you avoid problems later and ensure that your repairs are completed correctly.
A specialist can repair the gasket seals which have shrunk and broken to stop moisture and condensation developing between the panes of glass. This is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new double-glazing windows which can cost thousands of pounds. This is more sustainable for the environment and you will save money on energy bills.
In some instances, the frame of a window might require replacement completely. It could be due to damage or because the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is recommended to replace it with a comparable model. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and prevent any problems with condensation or leaks.