Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. It could be a draught coming through the window, misting, condensation between windows and even broken glass.
You can resolve these issues without replacing your entire window unit, and save money on your energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower's pebble or a baseball that is thrown by your kids or even an accident at work could result in a cracking in the glass of your double-glazed window. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a broken glass pane creates a gap in your frame, you'll have to replace it.
In a couple of easy steps, you can put in the new window pane. First the old glass as well as the wood surrounding it must be removed from the frame. The new pane is positioned in the opening of the frame and then pressed into position with silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to cover the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied with the help of a blade for putty, and then smoothed using a second one. Window putty is also an adhesive to keep the new pane in place. If your double-glazed window frames have wood moldings, you might need a chisel to remove any varnish or paint from the grooves where the moldings will fit.
Before installing a new window ensure you are wearing a pair or gloves that are heavy to prevent cuts when working with glass. Then, scrape away any remaining window glazing using a knife. Finally, measure the opening for the new windowpane. If you have a wooden frame, reduce 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. Metal frames should be treated the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits comfortably.
When repairing a double-glazed window It is also possible that seals between the glass panes could be damaged. This could cause condensation or a misty gap. This issue can be fixed by a technician drilling small holes into the frame. He or she will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it and seal it.
While you can fix double-glazed windows yourself, it is normally better to let an expert handle the task. To avoid injury, it is recommended to leave the work to a professional.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket on the window) is responsible to seal 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 happens due to natural expansion and contraction when the window goes through different temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
window repair Wellingborough are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This allows moisture from outside to penetrate and build up inside the glass panes, giving the appearance of a wet, frosted look that is difficult to clean.
There are several ways to solve this issue without having to remove the double glazing. One solution to this problem is to 'defog the window'. This can be done by drilling tiny holes in the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. This is however only a temporary fix since the solution only eliminates the fog, but it does not replace the gas inert between the glass and does not restore the energy efficiency that could have been lost due degrading seals.
You can also replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean and fog-free windows, while also returning any energy efficiency lost. This is more expensive than fixing the IGU but it's a longer-lasting solution.
There is also the chance that the wood frame of your window or door may be decaying and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair however, it will give you a new beginning and will stop moisture from getting into your home. It is best to hire a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you make any repairs. They'll give you a price and provide you with advice about the options available. They can help you choose the right double-glazing option that is perfect for your. They will use high-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 occurs when warm air is in contact with an icy surface. The water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. Condensation that forms on a double-glazed glass window can be easily cleaned away. However, the moisture that is trapped between the panes can cause mould to grow or even harm the glass.
The condensation of moisture between your windows could be caused by a variety of things, including extreme temperatures, high humidity and broken seals. This issue is more common in older windows than modern ones with better sealing technology.
While the formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something you should ignore It is important to remember that it is possible to fix the issue without having to replace the entire window unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak in the outer or inner frames of the window.
A professional can look over your window and determine if the seals need to be repaired or replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will aid in restoring your windows' ability to insulate cold and heat which will result in lower energy costs.
A specialist can employ a drill to cut holes in both the inner and outside windows to get rid of the moisture that has accumulated inside. It can take anything from only a few minutes up to several days to get rid of all moisture. Once this is done, the window can be sealed again and fitted with vents that let the windows naturally eliminate moisture and air.
The best way to avoid this issue entirely is to ensure that your windows are sealed and regularly maintained to stop the seals from deteriorating. This can be achieved by hiring a professional to perform a regular maintenance for your double glazing. This will help you spot any issues early and correct them before they become worse, extending the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames damaged
Sometimes the frames of double-glazing can develop problems that require repair. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a qualified professional. The majority of repairs will be cheaper than replacing window units. They will also be more energy efficient.
One of the most frequently encountered problems is when water enters into the frame of a double glazed unit and creates condensation. This happens when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating space free of water breaks and tiny holes begin to appear. This can happen for various reasons. Most often seals wear out or a tiny amount of moisture is trapped between the panes.
If you notice a problem the first thing to do is contact the company from which 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 unit.
The process could take a long time, based on the activity level within 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 allow you to avoid any problems later and also make sure that repairs are completed correctly.
A specialist can replace gaskets that have shrunk or cracked in order to prevent condensation and moisture from developing between the glass panes. This is a lot cheaper than purchasing and installing new double-glazing windows which could cost thousands of dollars. It's also more sustainable and can help you save money on your energy costs.
In some cases the frame of the window may require a complete replacement. This could be due to damage, or because the windows have become outdated and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is best to replace it with a comparable type of unit. This will increase the efficiency of your home and will prevent any future issues with condensation and leaks.