Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows will begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. Some of these signs are drafts coming through the window, or misting and condensation on the windows.
You can solve these problems without having to replace your entire window unit, and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or a mishap at the office could cause a crack to appear in your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is different from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a glass pane that has been broken leaves a gap in your frame, you'll have to replace it.
In just a few steps, you can set up an entirely new window pane. The old glass and wood surrounding it must be removed. Next, the new pane is positioned in the opening of the frame and pressed into place with silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty, which can be spread around with a putty knife and smoothed by a second knife. Window putty is also an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in the frame. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows have been painted, you'll need to use a chisel in order to scrape off the paint or varnish.
Before installing a new window ensure you are wearing a pair or gloves that are heavy to avoid cuts when working with glass. Utilizing a utility knife scrape away any remaining window glazing and determine the opening of the new window. If you have a wooden frame subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement in order to take into account the expansion and contraction of wood. The same process is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a tight fit of the glass replacement.
In the course of repairing a double-glazed window, it is also possible that the seals between the glass panes will become faulty. This could lead to condensation or a mist that forms in the gap. A technician can resolve this issue by drilling small holes into the frame to eliminate any moisture. He or she may then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap, and re-seal it.
It is better to leave the job of repairing double-glazed windows professionals. To avoid injury, it is recommended to leave the work to professionals.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket for windows) is responsible for sealing air between the two panes of glass in your double glazing, and prevents drafts, noise and moisture. But with time, this window seal can perish or shrink. This is because of natural expansion and contraction when the window is exposed to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows are a sign 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, giving a frosted, wet appearance that is hard to clean.
There are a variety of options to fix this issue without removing your double-glazing. One method to solve this problem is to 'defog the window' in place. This can be done by drilling tiny holes between the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. This is a temporary solution since the solution will only eliminate the fog and not replace the inert gases that are between the glass panes. It also won't bring back the energy efficiency that has been lost because of deteriorated seals.
Another option is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with new, clean windows, free of fog, and restore any lost energy efficiency. This will cost more than simply repairing the IGU, but it's a more permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your door or window could be rotting. This will need replacement. This is a major repair and could be costly and replacing the damaged frames will give you a fresh start and will stop any more moisture from entering your home. It is best to get an expert to look at the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They'll be able to offer you a price and offer advice on your options. Hayes window repairs can help you choose the best double-glazing system that will fit perfectly. They will then install your windows in a proper manner and use quality materials.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. Air vapour is able to condense into and forms liquid droplets. Condensation that occurs on glass windows that are double-glazed is easily removed. However, the moisture that is trapped between the panes may cause mold to grow or even harm the glass.
Moisture that develops between the windows in your home could be caused by a variety of problems, including temperature variations or high humidity levels, as well as broken seals. This problem is more prevalent in older windows than modern ones with better sealing technology.
The formation of condensation between the window panes is not something you ought to ignore It is important to keep in mind that it is possible to fix the issue without having to replace the entire window unit. This problem is usually caused by a leak around the inner or outer frames of the window.
A professional can examine your window and determine if the seals require repair or replaced. If the seals are replaced, this will improve your windows' capacity to insulate heat and cold, resulting in lower energy bills.
To address this issue, a specialist can drill holes in the inner and outer window to expel the water that has accumulated inside. It can take from just a few hours to a few days for the moisture to completely disappear out of the window. Once this is accomplished the window can then be sealed and fitted with vents that let the windows naturally eliminate moisture and air.
It is important to make sure that your windows are maintained and sealed to avoid this issue. This can be achieved by enlisting a professional to conduct a regular maintenance service for your double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are detected early and rectified before they become more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows as well as reducing the necessity for replacements.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes the frames of double-glazing can develop problems that need to be repaired. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a qualified professional. They are cheaper than having to replace window units. They will also be more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This happens when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space free of water breaks and tiny holes begin to appear. This could be the result of a variety of causes most often the seals wearing down or a small amount of moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
The first thing to do when you spot this issue is to contact the company you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will investigate the issue and should the warranty be valid, will arrange for the replacement of the item.
This process can take a while, depending on the level of activity at the firm. It is therefore recommended to research and find out as as much information about the business and the installers as possible before you sign an agreement with them. This will allow you to avoid problems later and make sure that repairs are done properly.
A professional can replace gasket seals that have shrunk and broken to stop moisture and condensation forming between the panes of glass. This can be much 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 bills.
In some instances, the window frame might require replacement completely. It could be due to damage or the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it's best to replace it with a comparable model. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home and prevent any future issues with condensation and leaks.