Double Glazed Windows Repairs
As time passes, your double glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. Some of these signs include drafts entering the window, or misting, and condensation on windows.
These problems can often be solved without the need to replace all window units and it could also save you money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids, a pebble from your lawnmower or a mishap at work could cause a crack to appear in your double-glazed windows. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. Therefore, if a cracked pane leaves your home with a space in the frame, it is imperative to replace it.
A new window pane can be fitted in a couple of easy steps. First the old glass as well as the surrounding wood should be removed from the frame. The new pane should then be placed inside the frame opening and then pressed into place using silicone caulk.
The frame's gap is then filled with window putty, which is spread with a putty knife and smoothed with a second putty knife. Window putty can also serve as an adhesive, helping to hold the new window to the frame. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you may require a chisel to take any excess paint and varnish from the grooves where the moldings will fit.
Be sure to wear heavy gloves when working with glass prior installing a new window. Then, using a utility blade scrape away any remaining window glazing and take measurements of the opening of the new windowpane. With a wooden frame reduce 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same procedure should be followed with metal frames to ensure a snug fit of the replacement glass.
It is possible that seals between glass panes could be damaged during the repair of double-glazed. This could lead to condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can fix this problem by drilling small holes in the frame to remove any moisture. He or she will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it and seal it.
It is preferential to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows professionals. Special tools are needed to remove and install the new glass, and the work should only be performed by a qualified professional to avoid 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 preventing drafts, moisture and noise. As time passes the window seal will shrink or even disappear. This is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the window when it goes through different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window are failing. This will allow water from outside to get in and condense in between the glass panes, resulting in the appearance of a wet, frosted look that is hard to clean.
You can fix the problem 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. This is a temporary fix, as the solution will only eliminate the fog and not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It also won't bring back any energy efficiency that's been lost due to deteriorating seals.
Another option is to replace your glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, clear windows, free of fog, and will restore any energy efficiency. This option is more expensive than repairing the IGU, but it's a more permanent one.
There is also a chance that the frame of your window or door may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair, but it will give you a fresh start and stop more moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's best to have a professional come out and assess the damage prior to making any repairs. They will provide you with an estimate and guide you on the best options. They will then assist you to pick a new double glazing that is perfect for your. They will install your windows in a proper manner and use high-quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation is a natural process that occurs when warm air comes in contact with an cool surface. Water vapour in air condenses, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that occurs on the surface of a double-glazed window can be easy to wipe away the moisture that forms between glass panes can be more troublesome and can cause the growth of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
The moisture that forms between your windows could be caused by many things such as temperature fluctuations, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more prone to this problem than 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 overlooked, it is easily fixed without having to replace the entire unit. In most cases this problem, it is caused by a leak in the vacuum or gas seal that is located between the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A professional can inspect your window and determine if seals need to be repaired or replaced. If the seals need to be replaced they will make your windows more efficient in insulate heat or cold and result in lower energy costs.
To resolve this issue, a specialist can drill holes into the window's outer and inner parts to remove the water that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to eliminate all moisture. Once this is accomplished, the window can be sealed again and fitted with vents that allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
The best way to avoid this problem completely is to ensure that your windows are properly sealed, and regularly maintained to prevent seals from degrading. You can achieve this by hiring a professional to carry out regular maintenance on your double-glazing. window repair Bishops Stortford will help you spot any issues early and correct them before they become worse, which will prolong the lifespan of double-glazed windows.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes the frames of double glazing may develop issues that require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of these types of repairs are cheaper than replacing the windows. They will also be more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
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 space clear of water cracks and tiny holes begin to appear. This could be the result from a variety 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 should do is contact the company where you purchased your double glazing. The company will look into the problem and in the event that the warranty is valid, will arrange for the replacement of the item.
This process can take a while, depending on the activity level within the company. Therefore, it's recommended to research and gather as as much information about the business and the installers you can before signing an agreement with them. This will allow you to avoid any problems later and also ensure that repairs are done properly.
A specialist can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and shattered to stop condensation and moisture creating between the panes glass. This is a lot cheaper than purchasing and installing new double glazing windows that could cost thousands of dollars. This is better for the environment and will save you money on energy costs.
In certain cases, the window frame may need to be completely replaced. This could be because of damage, or if windows have become old and not energy efficient anymore. If the window is not able to be repaired, it is recommended to replace it with a unit with a similar style and design. This will improve the efficiency of your house and prevent future problems with leaks and condensation.