Over time, your double-glazed windows will begin to appear to be in need of repair. These might include a draught coming through the window, misting, condensation on the windows, or even broken glass.
These issues can usually be resolved without having to replace the entire window units. It can also save you the cost of your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A pebble from a lawnmower, a baseball that your children throw at you or even an accident at work can lead to a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. In contrast to single-pane windows glazing features an airtight seal that keeps insulated gas between two glass panes. If a damaged glass pane leaves a gap in your frame, you will need to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can set up the new window pane. The old glass and wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane is positioned in the opening of the frame and pressed into place by using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty which can be spread around using a putty knife, and then smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty can also serve as an adhesive, which can help to hold the new pane into place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you might require a chisel to take any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings are.
Before installing a new window, ensure you are wearing a pair of gloves that are thick to avoid cuts when working with glass. Then, scrape away any remaining window glass with a utility knife and determine the opening for the new window. For wooden frames subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement in order to take into account the expansion and contraction of wood. The same procedure should be followed with metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the replacement glass.
In the course of repairing a double-glazed window It is also possible that the seals between the glass panes will be damaged. This could 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 can then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and seal it up again.
It is preferential to leave the task of repairing double-glazed windows professionals. Special tools are required to remove and install the new glass, therefore the work should only be performed by a qualified expert to avoid any injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also known as the gasket on the window) is responsible to seal air between the two glass panes in your double glazing, and prevents drafts, noise and moisture. However, over time, the window seal could deteriorate or shrink. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction as the window experiences various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are an indication of a weak airtight seal. This allows humidity from outside to get in and condense between the glass panes creating an unsightly, frosted look that is difficult to wipe clean.
There are a few options to fix this issue without having to remove the double glazing. One option is to 'defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is only a temporary fix because the solution will only eliminate the fog and not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It also won't replace any energy efficiency that has been 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 restore any loss in energy efficiency. This is more expensive than just fixing the IGU, but it is an option that is more durable.
It is possible that the frame of your window or door could be rotting. This could need replacement. This is a very expensive repair however it will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from getting into your home. If you decide to replace your window, it's best to have an expert visit and assess the damage prior to making any repairs. They'll give you a price and give you advice about your options. They can help you select the best double-glazing system that will fit perfectly. They will use quality materials and will ensure that your windows are installed correctly so they will last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation is an natural phenomenon that happens when warm air comes into contact with the cool surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. Condensation on windows with double-glazed glass can be easily cleaned away. However, the moisture that accumulates between the panes may cause mould to develop or even damage the glass.
The moisture that builds up 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 damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than in modern windows that have improved sealing technology.
While the formation of condensation between the panes of your window is not something you ought to ignore, it is important to keep in mind that it is possible to fix the issue without the need to replace the entire window unit. This issue is often caused by a leak in the outer or inner frames of the window.
A trained professional will inspect your windows to determine if the seals are damaged or require to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will aid in restoring your windows' capacity to insulate cold and heat which will result in lower energy bills.
A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in both the interior and outward windows to eliminate the moisture that has built up inside. It can take anything from a few minutes to several days to eliminate all the moisture. After the window has dried it can be sealed with vents that allow air and moisture to be able to escape naturally.
The best way to avoid this issue altogether is by ensuring that your windows are sealed, and regularly maintained to prevent the seals from deteriorating. You can achieve this by hiring a professional to conduct regular maintenance on 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 life of your double-glazed windows and reducing the need for replacements.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes, the frames of double glazing can be damaged and require repair. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a professional. Most of these types are less expensive than having to replace window units. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when moisture enters the frame of double-glazed units. This is caused when the seal that keeps the gap between the insulating and insulating of water wears out and minute holes appear. This could be the result of a variety of reasons, most commonly the seals being worn down or a small amount of moisture accumulating between the panes.
If you notice any issue the first thing you need to do is contact the company where you purchased your double glazing. The company will investigate the issue and should the warranty be valid, will arrange for the unit to be replaced.
The process could take a long time, based on the level of activity at the company. Therefore, it is a good idea to try to find as much information about the company and the installers as possible before you sign an agreement with them. This will help you avoid issues later on and make sure that repairs are done properly.
A specialist can replace the gaskets that have shrunk, or broken, to stop condensation and moisture from forming between the glass panes. This is a much cheaper alternative to installing double glazing windows which can cost up to thousands of dollars. double glazing repairs 's also healthier for the environment and can help you reduce your energy bills.
In certain situations the frame of a window could need to be replaced completely. It could be due to damage or because the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window can't be repaired, it is best that it be replaced with a replacement of a similar design. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and avoid any future issues with condensation or leaks.
