Blog entry by Madelaine Bynum
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows may begin to begin to show signs of needing repairs. Some of these indicators include a draft coming through the window or misting and condensation on windows.
These issues can be solved without having to replace your entire window unit and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower's pebble, a baseball toss by your children or even an accident at work could result in a cracking in the glass of your double-glazed window. double Glazing Windows Repairs glazing is different from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. Therefore, if a cracked pane leaves your home with an empty space in the frame, it is imperative to replace it.
In a few easy steps, you can put in a new window pane. First the old glass as well as the wood around it should be removed from the frame. The new pane is placed in the frame's opening and then pressed into position by using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty, which is spread with a putty knife and smoothed using a second putty knife. Window putty can also act as an adhesive to hold the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows have been painted, you'll require a chisel in order to scrape off the paint or varnish.
Wear heavy gloves when working with glass prior installing the new window. Next, scrape away any remaining window glazing using a knife. Finally, determine the opening for the new windowpane. For a wooden frame subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to allow for the expansion and contraction of wood. Metal frames should be treated the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits snugly.
In the course of repairing a double glaze repair-glazed window it is also possible that seals between the glass panes may be damaged. This could cause condensation or a misty gap. A technician can solve this problem by drilling tiny holes into the frame to expel any moisture. He or she can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and reseal.
While you can fix double-glazed windows by yourself, it's usually better to let professionals handle the job. Special tools are needed to remove and replace the new glass, so the task should be done by a trained professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal, is responsible for sealing the air between two panes in double glazed repairs glazing. It also stops drafts as well as sound and moisture. Over time, the window seal can shrink or perish. This is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through different weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year.
The windows that are stained with a haze indicate that the air-tight seal between the two panes of your window are failing. This allows humidity from the outside air to enter and build up between the glass panes, creating a wet, frosted appearance that is difficult to wipe clean.
There are a variety of options to fix this issue without having to remove the double glazing repairers-glazing. One option is to "defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleaning solution between the glass panes. However, this is an immediate fix since the solution only removes the fog, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and restore energy efficiency that may have been lost due to degrading seals.
Another option is to replace your glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, clear, fog-free windows and will restore any energy efficiency. This is more expensive than repairing the IGU, but it's a much more durable solution.
There is also the possibility that the frame of your window or door may be rotting and need to be replaced. This is a very expensive repair to double glazed windows, but it will give you a new start and prevent more moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's best to have an expert visit and assess the damage before making any repairs. They will be able to give you a price and provide you with advice about your options. They can help you select the right double-glazing option that is perfect for your. They will then install your windows correctly and use quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense and form droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the surface of a double-glazed windows is easy to clean away, moisture that forms in between the glass panes could be more difficult to remove, and may cause the growth of mould or damage to the glass itself.
Moisture that develops between the windows of your home could be caused by a variety of issues, including temperature variations, high humidity levels and damaged seals. Older windows are more prone to this problem than ones with better sealing technology.
It is important to remember that although the development of condensation on the glass of your window should not be overlooked, it is easily fixed without having to replace the entire unit. This issue is often caused by a leak around the inner or outer frames of the window.
A trained professional can inspect your windows and determine if the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will improve your windows' ability to insulate cold and heat which will result in lower energy costs.
A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in both the interior and outer windows to remove the moisture that has built up within. It could take anywhere from only a few minutes up to several days to get rid of all the moisture. Once the window is dry it can be sealed with vents which allow moisture and air to escape naturally.
It is important to ensure that your windows are properly maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. This can be done by hiring a professional perform a regular maintenance service for your double-glazing. This will allow you to spot any problems early and fix them before they get any worse, extending the life of double-glazed windows.
Damaged Frames
Sometimes, the frames of double-glazing may develop issues which require fixing. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of these are much cheaper than replacing the windows. They will also be more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when water gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This occurs when the rubber seal that keeps the insulating area free of water cracks and tiny holes start to form. This can occur due to a number of reasons. Most often seals wear out or a small amount of water gets trapped between the panes.
The first thing to do when you spot this issue is to contact the company from which you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will look into the problem and, if the warranty is valid, will arrange for the replacement of the item.
This process can take a while, depending on the activity level at the firm. It is crucial to know as much as you can about the company as well as the installers and services prior to signing a contract. This will help you avoid issues later on and make sure that repairs are completed correctly.
A specialist can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and broken to stop condensation and moisture from developing between the panes of glass. This is a much cheaper option than installing double glazing windows repairs glazing windows which could cost thousands of pounds. This is more sustainable for the environment and will save you money on energy bills.
In some cases the frame of the window may require a complete replacement. It could be due to damage or because windows are worn out and no longer energy efficient. If the window can't be repaired, it is recommended that it is replaced with a replacement with a similar style and design. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home and avoid any problems with condensation or leaks.